In the simplest of terms, lupus is a condition wherein the body's immune cells fail to differentiate self from foreign and attacks its own body tissues. It does so by producing 'antibodies' directed against body organs like skin, joints, kidneys, nervous system, even the heart and lungs. It occurs in many forms - neonatal lupus affects new born children, cutaneous lupus and discoid lupus affects the skin causing red lesions whereas the most severe form of lupus, called systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, affects a host of our body organs. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are approximately 237000 cases of lupus in USA, around 70% of which are SLE.
How To Diagnose Lupus
The American College of Rheumatology provides for the following conditions, atleast 4 of which should be met for effective diagnosis of lupus.A butterfly shaped rash spread across the cheeks and nose.
- Scaly rashes on the face, ears, neck and chest.
- Antibodies to DNA in blood.
- A sensitivity to sunlight or bright lights (Photosensitivity)
- Kidney trouble, specially protein or cellular casts in the urine.
- Chest pain, usually diagnosed to pleuritis (inflammation of the lining of the lungs) or pericarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart)
- Nerve trouble, like psychosis, seizures, anxiety
- Anaemia or leucocytopenia (low white blood cell counts)
- Generalized malfunctioning of the immune system
Many of these symptoms are not unique to lupus and may be associated with other syndromes too. Again, no two cases of lupus are the same, with a lot of variability in the pattern of the disease amongst patients.
Who Are At Risk Of Developing Lupus?
- Women form 90% of the patients of lupus. This is one disease which shows a clear gender preference.
- Certain races like Africans, Hispanics and Asians are more prone to lupus than Causacians (Source : Lupus Foundation of America).
Treatment Of Lupus
- Always consult a registered medical practitioner or a rheumatologist if any of the above symptoms of lupus are seen.
- Relief is offered by non-steroidal anti inflammtory drugs (NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, diclofenac, sulindac, naproxen) in mild cases of lupus.
- Hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug has been found effective in many patients of SLE who exhibit severe skin rashes and joint pain.
- Severe forms may need steroids (corticosteroids like prednisone) or immunosuppresants (cyclosporin, mycophenolate mofetil).
- Most symptoms of lupus can be attributed to antibodies against our internal organs. Suppression of cells producing these antibodies, by a biologic called rituximab, has been found to be beneficial.
- Omega 3 fatty acids, such as those provided by consuming oily fish, has been shown to be beneficial in controlling the skin rashes associated with lupus.
- Never attempt self medication as each case of lupus is different and the right treatment must be suggested by a qualified doctor.
