Lupus: Symptoms, causes, risk factors and treatment of THIS autoimmune disease

Lupus is a long-term auto-immune disease where the immune system becomes hyperactive in the body. In this condition, the immune system attacks the normal tissues of our body. This disease gained attention in 2015 when singer Selena Gomez was diagnosed with this condition. This disease is not contagious and it can occur between the ages of 15 and 44 years. In certain cases, a woman with lupus can give birth to a child who develops the form of lupus.

What you should know about lupus:

Types of lupus:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematous

Drug-induced lupus

Neonatal Lupus

Causes of Lupus:

Lupus is an auto-immune disease but its exact cause is not known properly. Our immune system produces a protein called antibodies to fight against all foreign invaders to keep our body safe and protected. White blood cells produce these antibodies. But when we have lupus, then our immune system becomes unable to differentiate between unwanted substances and healthy tissues. So, the antibodies work against both invaders and healthy tissues which causes swelling, damage in the tissue and a lot of pain.

Mostly, genetic factors are responsible for this condition in our immune system.

Risk factors of lupus:

These are the risk factors for having lupus:

Hormones.

Genetic factors.

Environment.

Gut bacteria.

Symptoms of Lupus:

The symptoms of lupus are as follows:

Fatigue.

Loss of appetite and weight loss.

Swelling and pain in joints and muscles.

Swelling in legs and around the eyes.

Swollen glands

Skin rashes

Sensitivity to the sun

Fever and headache

Chest pain with breathing difficulty.

Unusual hair loss.

Arthritis.

Along with these symptoms, lupus also affects other body organs, like kidneys, lungs, the central nervous system, blood vessels, heart. There might be some other complications like infections, bone tissue death, pregnancy complications.

Treatment

Treatments and medications are done to reduce the symptoms and organ damage along with swelling and pain.

NOTE

When you face these symptoms consistently, consult your doctor without any delay.

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