Home : health : health : Lupus – Symptoms, Risk Factors, And Diagnosis
Lupus – Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Diagnosis

Lupus – Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Diagnosis

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune condition. Here, the body’s immune system, which is supposed to fight infections, begins attacking healthy tissues and organs. This causes pain and inflammation. One may also experience symptoms like skin sensitivity, joint pains, rashes, and issues with internal organs like the kidneys, heart, and lungs. The condition does not have a cure, however, treatment options can help one manage its symptoms.

Symptoms
Here are a few symptoms one should recognize:

Fatigue
Most people with lupus experience fatigue, which can worsen with muscle and joint pain. Many may experience stiffness and swelling in the neck, thigh, and arms. While getting adequate sleep can relieve general exhaustion, when fatigue is accompanied by some sort of pain and discomfort, one should consult a doctor.

Skin rashes
The most common and prominent symptom of this disease is a butterfly-shaped rash on both cheeks and the nose bridge. Around 30% of people affected by lupus experience this symptom. The rash may appear suddenly before a flare-up or right after excessive sun exposure. For some, the condition also causes hives and non-itchy lesions all over the body. Some may notice discoloration in their toes or fingers. 

Hair loss
Hair loss and thinning hair are early signs of lupus. Here, the skin on the scalp gets inflamed making hair fall out. The hair may start thinning gradually or could even fall in clumps. Strands also become brittle and ragged when dealing with this condition. 

Low-grade fever
A low-grade fever for no discernible reason is another early symptom of lupus. The body temperature may linger between 98.5 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit, and this might be a persistent symptom. 

Swelling and pain in joints
People with lupus might experience stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joints, especially in the morning. It may begin as a mild pain that later intensifies. The pain can be managed using remedies or prescription options.

Digestive issues
Lupus can cause gastrointestinal inflammation and problems like acid reflux or heartburn. These symptoms can be managed by antacids, avoiding caffeine, not lying down immediately after a meal, and eating in smaller quantities.

Dryness in the eyes and mouth
Lupus can make the eyes and mouth dry. When affected by the disease, the tear and saliva glands malfunction, and lymphocytes accumulate in the glands. 

Kidney problems
Nephritis is a type of kidney inflammation common in people with lupus. The inflammation makes it hard for the kidneys to filter toxins from the blood. Symptoms of nephritis include swollen legs and feet, high blood pressure, dark-colored urine, blood in urine, pain in the sides, and a frequent urge to urinate.

Thyroid issues
In people with lupus, the immune cells can attack the thyroid gland and prevent it from functioning properly. As this gland controls metabolism, any kind of malfunctioning can affect vital organs like the liver, heart, kidneys, and brain. 

Lung inflammation
Inflammation of the lungs is another symptom of lupus that one should not ignore. The inflammation can make the blood vessels in the lungs can swell up. This can cause chest pain when one tries to breathe. Over time, the condition can weaken the diaphragm and reduce lung size.

One should consult a doctor immediately if they observe one or more of these early signs of lupus.

Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of lupus is not yet known, and research to understand the triggers is underway. However, here are a few possible risk factors for the condition:

Family history of the condition: A family history of lupus could increase the risk of developing the condition. If one has a family member with the condition, they should consider getting examined for lupus on noticing early signs.

Hormonal imbalance: Women are more likely to develop lupus than men, as 9 out of 10 people with the condition are women. This may be partly because of the hormone called estrogen. The condition is usually observed in women of reproductive age, i.e., between 15 to 45 years old, when the estrogen levels in the body are high. 

Environment and lifestyle-related factors: Various environmental factors could also increase the risk of developing lupus. Stress, viruses one has been exposed to, the treatment options they use, and even the amount of sunlight one gets could influence the risk of being affected by lupus.

Diagnosis
Systemic lupus erythematosus is diagnosed through a combination of methods. Detecting the disease is challenging as its symptoms often mimic those of other illnesses, so a single test cannot help doctors diagnose the condition. The illness is confirmed by conducting several tests and an examination of the patient’s medical and family history. Some of the diagnostic tests for lupus include a complete blood count, urine analysis, antinuclear antibody test, liver and kidney assessment, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is important to see a rheumatologist to get a precise systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis.

Management
The autoimmune condition does not have a cure. However, its symptoms can be managed with timely and appropriate treatments and changes in meals and lifestyle. Based on the results of lab tests, X-rays, and physical examinations, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan. Some of the options usually recommended are anti-inflammatory prescriptions and those that limit immune system activity.

Several symptoms of lupus can be managed with the right treatment methods and by making lifestyle changes to prevent frequent flare-ups and reduce the severity of the condition. Some of the lifestyle changes that help in disease management are avoiding excessive sun exposure, incorporating low-impact exercises into the daily routine, getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious foods, and managing stress. Such simple changes, combined with treatment, can help one manage the disease and carry out daily activities.

Top Reads

Top Tags

Popular Reads

4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas
health

4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica.
Read More

5 mistakes to avoid while using vacuum cleaners

Vacuum cleaners are one of the most reliable home cleaning appliances. With the help of the machine, cordless or corded, one can get rid of dirt, cobwebs, and allergens found around the house. The device is used for cleaning purposes, therefore, it is vital to handle the vacuum cleaner correctly for optimal usage. That said, not everyone knows how to use a vacuum cleaner efficiently. Below are the common mistakes made while using them: Failing to empty or clean dust bags and filters It is important to empty and clean vacuum dust bags regularly. Failing to do so can affect the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. Despite vacuuming, if you still notice dust stains on the carpet or the floor, it’s an indicator to empty the dust bag. Another tell-tale sign for the removal of dust bag is when your vacuum cleaner seems to be losing its suction power. The frequency of emptying the vacuum bags will depend on how often you use the device. A full vacuum dust bag will lead to an accumulation of dust and the breeding of bacteria and germs in the bag. Many latest models are equipped with disposable bags that are much more convenient.
Home

Eczema – 3 methods to manage its symptoms

Eczema has many different stages and types. Unfortunately, about 10.1 percent of people in the country have some or the other form of this condition. Such a disease is a combination of conditions that make the skin irritated or inflamed. With proper treatment, one can manage symptoms. Red, dry, cracked, and leathery skin are the common eczema signs. Here are three useful methods that help deal with eczema and manage its symptoms: Getting the right treatment options Here are some treatments associated with eczema. Dupixent Dupixent is prescribed for children six or older and adults; for those who cannot control symptoms with other treatment measures, alternate treatments are not recommended. This monoclonal antibody works on a targeted area in the immune system. Dupixent comes in pre-filled single-dose pens and syringes, given as a subcutaneous injection. One can find this treatment option in two strengths: 300-mg/2-mL and 200 mg/1.14-mL solutions. Cibinqo This once-daily oral treatment helps manage symptoms for adults who have not seen relief with prevailing treatment options. Cibinqo is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Doses that can be taken are either 100 or 200 mg. Alternately, a 50 mg dosage is for patients with moderate renal impairment.
health

5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep

Have you ever woken up feeling tired and lethargic despite sleeping for seven to eight hours at night? It could be due to poor sleep quality. Disturbed sleep influences the rest of your day: how you think, your performance at work, and other tasks. The causes of poor sleep are many, including a faulty mattress, distractions in your room, or a heavy dinner. Avoiding the following mistakes before bed can help you sleep better: Staring at a screen Using gadgets close to bedtime is probably the most common mistake in the digital age. The blue light emitted from screens affects the production of a specific hormone responsible for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. Apart from the blue light emission, the television or mobile phone sound can be a distraction that keeps you awake. High noise levels create lots of mental stimulation and disturbance, preventing the brain from shutting down. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using phones, televisions, and laptops for at least an hour before bed. Exercising Exercise is among the best solutions for good health, but you must do it at the right time. Physical activity late in the evening or at night hampers sleep patterns by increasing stress and raising body temperature.
health

Migraine – Ways to manage the condition

Migraine headaches are a devitalizing experience. It completely saps the person of energy and prevents them from being productive during these episodes. There is usually a build-up to a migraine attack which is different for every individual. The phase before the actual migraine attack is known as the aura, and people may report seeing flashes of light or experiencing a tingling sensation. Below are some options for treating migraine headaches: Treatment options Nurtec Nurtec is a treatment option that helps relieve some symptoms of migraines. It reduces the severity of headaches and sensitivity to light. Nurtec is usually taken on alternate days to prevent migraines and other pain associated with the condition. Ubrelvy Ubrelvy, a fast pain-relief, is a treatment option that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the body. CGRP is associated with migraine attacks, and suppressing it goes a long way in treating the condition.  Excedrin This pain reliever does not just treat migraine headaches but also pain in other parts of the body. Excedrin provides fast pain relief to the patient. Qulipta Qulipta is a treatment option that helps prevent migraines over a more extended period. However, medical professionals do not recommend this treatment option to people suffering from kidney or liver problems.
health