May was lupus awareness month. What is lupus?
Source: www. Lupus.org.
Accessed via wikipedia, the free encyclopedia on 22nd May, 2022.
Lupus is a non-contagious autoimmune disease caused when the immune system attacks its tissues. The disease affects the skin, joints, and internal organs. It is difficult to diagnose and live with (“Understanding Lupus”, 2022).
Though its cause is still unknown, genetic predisposition is a risk factor. The most common type is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
According to the Lupus Foundation of America;
- At least 5 million people worldwide have a form of lupus
- 90% of cases are women between 15 to 44 years of age (“How Many People Have Lupus in the United States?”, 2021).
- Lupus is two to three times more prevalent among black people (“How Many People Have Lupus in the United States?”, 2021).
- It affects 1 in 537 young African American women (Somers et al., 2014).
- Cases also suffer from multiple autoimmune diseases.
Lupus symptoms that appear at intervals in the disease course CDC, 2022 include:
- Constant fatigue
- Joint pain or swelling
- Headaches and hair loss
- Photosensitivity (“Understanding Lupus”, n.d.).
- A butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose
- Raynaud’s disease.
Management of lupus includes:
- Avoiding situations that can cause symptom flares:
- Avoiding exposure to UV rays and other light sources.
- Eating nutritious foods, fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Taking medications as directed by your physician.
- Avoiding emotional stress and exhaustion (CDC, 2022).
Do you have more information on lupus?
Let us know in the comment section.