So it's Lupus...
Systemic lupus is a chronic and presently-incurable illness of the immune system, a condition in which the body's defence mechanism begins to attack itself through an excess of antibodies in the blood stream causing inflammation and damage in the joints, muscles and other organs.
The name systemic lupus implies that almost any organ or system within the body might be affected and lupus is perhaps the classical multi-symptom illness, deserving of far greater priority and investigation by the medical community.
Discoid lupus is a condition of the skin alone, and in a very few patients can develop into systemic lupus.
Lupus may be triggered by various means and can present in a bewildering number of ways, even to the extent of mimicking other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis.
The causes of lupus are not positively known though research has provided evidence implicating heredity, hormones and infections including viruses.
Some 50,000 may have lupus in the UK and 90% of sufferers are female, mainly between the ages of 15 and 55.
With its many symptoms, lupus can often be overlooked by a GP or consultant which may delay final diagnosis and a vital start to necessary treatment which can contain the disease and hopefully limit potential damage to the kidneys, heart, lungs or brain. Those diagnosed usually remain in medical care and receive ongoing treatment. Many symptoms will have less impact but there may be side effects. Some symptoms are listed below.
Lupus can adversely affect the lives of sufferers and their families, and influence relationships with friends and business colleagues.
Collections of personal stories have shown us that every patient’s journey through Lupus is different and unpredictable. The symptoms are numerous, but the newly diagnosed patient should remember that they will not get ALL of the symptoms.
Such a complicated illness needs to be managed carefully by the health professionals and also by the patients themselves.
The latter is where a support group can help.
Although there are many possible manifestations of lupus, those listed below are some of the more common. Lupus is a disease which can present many different facets, rarely do two people have exactly the same symptoms, and these can vary from just one to many.
Systemic lupus is a chronic and presently-incurable illness of the immune system, a condition in which the body's defence mechanism begins to attack itself through an excess of antibodies in the blood stream causing inflammation and damage in the joints, muscles and other organs.
The name systemic lupus implies that almost any organ or system within the body might be affected and lupus is perhaps the classical multi-symptom illness, deserving of far greater priority and investigation by the medical community.
Discoid lupus is a condition of the skin alone, and in a very few patients can develop into systemic lupus.
Lupus may be triggered by various means and can present in a bewildering number of ways, even to the extent of mimicking other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis.
The causes of lupus are not positively known though research has provided evidence implicating heredity, hormones and infections including viruses.
Some 50,000 may have lupus in the UK and 90% of sufferers are female, mainly between the ages of 15 and 55.
With its many symptoms, lupus can often be overlooked by a GP or consultant which may delay final diagnosis and a vital start to necessary treatment which can contain the disease and hopefully limit potential damage to the kidneys, heart, lungs or brain. Those diagnosed usually remain in medical care and receive ongoing treatment. Many symptoms will have less impact but there may be side effects. Some symptoms are listed below.
Lupus can adversely affect the lives of sufferers and their families, and influence relationships with friends and business colleagues.
Collections of personal stories have shown us that every patient’s journey through Lupus is different and unpredictable. The symptoms are numerous, but the newly diagnosed patient should remember that they will not get ALL of the symptoms.
Such a complicated illness needs to be managed carefully by the health professionals and also by the patients themselves.
The latter is where a support group can help.
Although there are many possible manifestations of lupus, those listed below are some of the more common. Lupus is a disease which can present many different facets, rarely do two people have exactly the same symptoms, and these can vary from just one to many.
- Joint/muscle aches and pains
- Permanent rash over cheeks
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Increased risk of miscarriage
- Rashes from sunlight/UV light
- Flu-like symptoms and/or night sweats
- Weight gain or loss
- Inflammation of the tissues covering internal organs with associated chest and/or abdominal pain
- Seizures, mental illness or other cerebral problems
- Headaches, migraine
- Kidney problems
- Oral/nasal ulcers
- Hair loss
- Depression
- Haematological disorders including anaemia
- Swollen glands
- Poor blood circulation causing the tips of fingers and toes to turn white then blue on exposure to cold (Raynauds)