Autoimmune Disease Lupus

Lupus, short form for systemic lupus erythematosus or simply SLE, is an autoimmune disease meaning the cells of the body and tissues are attacked by the body's immune system. The disease affects the skin, joints, lungs, kidneys, nervous system, and heart, among other organs of the body. Autoimmune disease lupus is 10 times more prevalent in women than in men and while it can develop at any age, the onset generally occurs between ages 18 and 45.

The manifestation of autoimmune disease lupus varies significantly, making it difficult to diagnose especially at the early stages of infection. It isn't uncommon for lupus symptoms to resemble those of other types of rheumatic and arthritis diseases. Some of the unique symptoms of autoimmune lupus that can not be mistaken however include the characteristic butterfly rash known as malar rash that affects the checks and the nose., hair loss, nephritis, arthritis, fatigue among others.

Other early symptoms of autoimmune disease lupus can include photosensitivity, joint pains, vulnerability to viruses and other infections, unexplained swollen glands, conditions like pleurisy, patients may feel depressed, which may worsen in adverse weather conditions. Seizures, hallucinations, severe confusion, mouth sores are few of the less common, but still noteworthy symptoms of autoimmune disease lupus.

There are Several types of lupus that exist today i.e. Discoid lupus, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, Neonatal lupus, and Drug-induced lupus. The causes of autoimmune disease lupus are yet to be known, but being an autoimmune disease, the reason why the immune system malfunctions cannot be understood well but as in the case of other autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, etc, it is suspected to involve both environmental and genetic factors.

Because of the varying symptoms and unique manifestations of the same, it is always advisable to explain to the doctor all the symptoms you might have if you suspect you might be suffering from lupus. Diagnosis of autoimmune disease lupus is complicated based on the ways in which the condition first manifests itself. There is no single test that doctors use to diagnose autoimmune disease lupus, but the diagnosis will be determined by a number of factors such as blood tests, clinical symptoms and the patient's medical history.

Some people react positively to treatment upon diagnosis although still others will experience different levels of complications. Every individual is different, and the disease can change its manifestation as it progresses.

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