Lupus

Tell me more.

Lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus, is a long-term (chronic) condition. Lupus is not curable, but don't worry! It is manageable with treatment.

The condition is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the immune system (the body's defense system) accidentally attacks healthy tissue in the body. When the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body, the healthy tissue get inflammed (swollen) and damaged. The disorder can negatively affect different parts of the body, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs.

Who's more likely to get it?

We don't know what exactly causes lupus, but there are some common themes of who is more likely to be diagnosed with the condition. This includes people who:

• are female

• are younger - those between the ages of 15 and 44 are most likely to be dianosed

• have certain genetic mutations

• have a family history of lupus - specifically, this refers to a biological parent who has lupus

• are Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Alasan Native, First Nation or Pacific Islanders

• live in areas of high pollution

• live in a very sunny place

• smoke

• are often highly stressed

Although there is no cure for lupus, with good management and treatment, people with lupus can lead healthy and normal lives.

How can I know if I have it?

Diagnosing lupus can be challenging because its symptoms can vary from person to person and can mimic other conditions. What is especially tricky is that your symptoms can develop over time or suddenly, they can range from mild to severe, and they can be either temporary or permanent.

Typically, symptoms of Lupus come and go. The times that you are experiencing symptoms are sometimes referred to as "flare-ups."

Because Lupus is difficult to diagnose, your doctor will have to discuss how symptoms have been over time and check if you have the most common symptoms. Below in our symptoms section, you can see all of the symptoms that are connected to lupus, however the most common ones are:

• a butterfly rash - this is a rash on both cheeks that connects over the nose. This will often come out after being in the sun

• joint pain, muscle pain, body stiffness and swollen joints

• fatigue (extreme tiredness)

Along with your symptoms, your doctor will ask you about your medical history, as well as perform both a physical exam, and lab tests to diagnose lupus.

These tests may include but are not limited to:

• blood tests - An antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is a common test for lupus which looks for specific antibodies in your blood that are usually found in people with lupus. Other blood tests may be done to check for infection, anemia, low blood cell counts, organ function, immune system function or to rule out other conditions.

• pee tests (urinalysis) - This will check for protein and red blood cell levels in your pee. Based on the results, your medical team can see if your kidneys are damaged which can happen from lupus.

• imaging tests - this can be either a chest x-ray, echocardiogram, or both. These imaging tests are much quicker than other tests, such at a CT scan or an MRI scan, and can help your medical team understand what's going on in your heart and lungs.

• biopsy - a biopsy is a tissue sample. This may be taken of either your skin, if you have a rash, your kidneys, or both. Taking a biopsy can help in building the best treatment plan for your body.

What's next?

Like we've already said, there is no cure for lupus, BUT there are treatments available to manage its symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.

The treatment plan for lupus may vary depending on the person and the severity of their symptoms. Medications for inflammation and to suppress the immune system may be prescribed.

medications to control inflammation

Your medical may advise you to take over-the-counter medication known as NSAIDS. Common NSAIDS include ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Another group of medications that can help with inflammation in the body are corticosteroids. A well-known corticosteroid is called prednisone, however it is important to talk to your medical team abou the pro's and con's of taking this drug.

medications to control the immune system

It says it in the name, immunosuppressants, which are drugs that help to suppress (manage) the immune system. There are a few different types of this medication, so ask your doctor which is right for you. Another option to control the negative impact of the immune system with lupus is an antimalarial drug. Interestingly enough, this type of drug decreases the risk of bad symptoms from lupus, but it is also important to understand the negative side effects that come with this drug. If you take an antimalarial drug, your doctor will encourage you to get regular eye exams to make sure the drug isn't causing damage to your eyes.

Is there anything else I can do to help?

Yes! Similar to other autoimmune disorders, certain lifestyle changes will be a huge help in reducing lupus flare-ups.

So, what can you do?

• get enough rest
• eat a healthy diet
• practice methods to reduce stress levels
• avoid excessive sun exposure

Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals are important to monitor the condition and adjust the treatment plan if needed.