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SALT LAKE CITY — Lupus is a disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs, causing inflammation, swelling, pain and damage. While the disease is simple in definition, it can be hard to diagnose.
The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans have lupus. “Although it can strike men and women of all ages, 90 percent of individuals diagnosed the disease are women,” the foundation's website states.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease and is not contagious. While no one really knows what causes the disease, the Lupus Foundation says most scientists believe patients are "born with genes to develop lupus and that something brings on or 'triggers' the disease and symptoms."
Lupus is diagnosed through analysis of a patient’s symptoms and blood test results. Symptoms vary from person to person, but often include the following:
- Roughly 1.5 million Americans, and at least 5 million people worldwide, have a form of lupus.
- Ninety percent of lupus patients are women. The disease is two to three times more prevalent among women of color than among Caucasian women.
- Most people will develop lupus between the ages of 15-44.
- 20 percent of people with lupus will have a parent or sibling who already has lupus or may develop lupus.
- Profound fatigue
- A low-grade fever
- Severe joint pain and muscle aches
- A butterfly-shaped rash on the face
- General rash on the body
- Extreme sun sensitivity
- Notable weight loss
- Mental confusion and seizures
- Chest pain when taking a deep breath
- Nose, mouth or throat sores
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Poor circulation in fingers and toes
- Bald patches and hair loss
If you have a family history of lupus and have experienced some of the symptoms above, you should ask your doctor to test you for the disease. Once it is identified — if closely monitored by a medical professional — lupus can be managed very well.
Some of the treatments used to control the effects of lupus are:
- Blood tests to identify if your white blood count is abnormal. If your platelets are low, that means the count is lower than 100.
- Regular exercise to prevent muscle weakness
- Immunizations to prevent other illnesses
- Lifestyle changes such as getting plenty of rest, reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet and quitting smoking
- Reduction in sun exposure
- Medication, but only as ordered by your doctor. Do not self-medicate.
If not treated on a regular regiment, lupus will affect kidney function, brain function, vascular functions, and cause swelling in the heart and lungs.
Still, it is important to note this is not a disease that will prevent you from having a good life. Many people who have lupus are full-time workers, parents, athletes, etc. Attitude is a big factor: The more you convince yourself you cannot do something because of your illness, the more easily it will come true.
Suzanne Carlile, "Nurse Suzy," has been a nurse since 1982. Her main focus is critical care and nursing education. She holds a master's degree in nursing, is a Certified Emergency Nurse, and a member of NNSDO Intermountain West Chapter.
