Definition:
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and
organs. Inflammation caused by lupus may affect many different body systems, including your joints, skin, kidneys,
blood cells, heart and lungs.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms vary considerably from person to person. Signs and
symptoms of lupus can change over time and overlap with those of many other disorders.
Treatment:
Treatment for lupus depends on your signs and symptoms. Recognizing whether your signs and symptoms should be
treated and what medications to use requires a careful discussion of the benefits and risks with your doctor. As
the signs and symptoms flare and subside, you and your doctor may find that you'll need to change medications or
dosages.
Symptoms and Signs:
The signs and symptoms of lupus that you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease.
But, in general, lupus signs and symptoms may include: Fatigue, Fever, Weight loss or gain, Joint pain, stiffness
and swelling. Butterfly-shaped rash (malar rash) on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
Causes:
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that instead of just attacking foreign substances, such as bacteria
and viruses, your immune system also turns against healthy tissue. This leads to inflammation and damage to
different parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and brain.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
