The human immune system is delicate and can often surprise us. Even though it is a system designed entirely to protect us, it can malfunction and cause us various disorders many times. Autoimmune diseases are not unknown and can bring us harm that ranges from simple skin spots like vitiligo to more serious problems such as psoriasis, lupus, and even multiple sclerosis. Among these, lupus perhaps stands out as one of the most well-known and feared. But what are the real consequences this disease can bring us? What are its causes and symptoms?

What is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, that is, a disease for which there is no cure and that originates from the body itself. Although there is no known or proven cause, lupus appears much more frequently in young women and in Black or mixed-race people. The disease is characterized by the excessive production of antibodies by the body, causing these antibodies to result in a malfunction of the immune system, since the excess is perceived as a threat by our organism, which attacks the very antibodies it produces. This can result in problems in various parts of the body, but most often affects the kidneys, joints, brain, and skin of the person with the disease.

Types of Lupus

There are three ways the disease may manifest:

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
  • Drug-Induced Lupus
  • Discoid Lupus

Let’s take a closer look at each type and what the main differences are between them.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

This type of lupus usually causes inflammation in multiple organs in the body. The symptoms of this manifestation of the disease will depend on the organs that are being attacked, which may include the heart, kidneys, brain, skin, joints, or a combination of these organs.

Drug-Induced Lupus

Some types of medications or even drugs can cause inflammations very similar to those caused by lupus. Although concerning, this type is simple and is usually cured simply by discontinuing the medication that is causing the inflammation.

Discoid Lupus

This type of lupus causes inflammation only in the skin, not affecting other organs. Still, there are cases where this type of disease can progress to systemic lupus erythematosus and affect other organs in the human body.

Main Causes of Lupus

Although we cannot state anything concrete that causes lupus, it is known to be an autoimmune disease caused by genetic mutations. The cause of these mutations is unknown, which is why it’s said that there aren’t many ways to prevent the disease from manifesting. These mutations usually occur while still in the mother’s womb, so it is common for some people to show signs of the disease as children. However, it is also possible to be born without this mutation and develop it throughout life, but the causes of this mutation are still largely unknown to us.

Symptoms of Lupus

The symptoms of lupus can vary depending on the type of the disease and its severity. Even so, we can highlight some of the main symptoms of the disease:

  • Red, butterfly-shaped facial rash
  • Shortness of breath
  • Small skin sores
  • Memory loss
  • Concentration problems
  • High fever
  • Sensitivity to sunlight
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling
  • Hair loss
  • Mouth sores

It is important to remember that just because someone has one or two of these symptoms does not mean they have developed lupus, but when they do appear it is important to see a doctor to make sure whether it is the disease or not.

How is Lupus Diagnosed?

Because it presents very distinct symptoms that can vary from person to person, and can also be confused with symptoms of other possible diseases, lupus is not easy to diagnose. A doctor may order a series of tests ranging from a blood count to a kidney biopsy, as well as x-rays and antibody tests to check for the presence or absence of the disease.

Treatment for Lupus

The treatment for lupus can be done in different ways and needs to be ongoing, as there is no cure for lupus. The treatment allows a person to live a normal and tranquil life even with the disease, and also helps to relieve the symptoms. Some of the main forms of treatment for the disease are:

  • Anti-inflammatories.
  • Corticosteroids for skin lesions.
  • Immunosuppressants.
  • Drugs that block cell growth, used only in more severe cases.

Although it seems very difficult to deal with, lupus can be treated and a person can live well with the disease. Of course, as with any other disease, there are limitations and various precautions that must be taken by these individuals, but nothing that prevents them from living a full life or significantly limits their daily activities. Diseases such as lupus can appear in all kinds of people, although there are risk groups, and we need to be attentive to treat the disease as quickly as possible so that the consequences it brings are as minimal as possible. See Also: Hellp Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Photo: Doktorinternet