Early diagnosis helpful

If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of lupus, it makes sense for you to arm yourself with as much information as you can about the disease. Lupus is a chronic in ammatory disease that occurs when a person’s immune system attacks his or her own tissues and organs. In ammation caused by lupus can affect many different bodily systems, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

No one knows what causes lupus, but scientists think people may be born with the genes to develop the disease and that something triggers the disease and symptoms. However, they do know that a combination of heredity, environment and hormones is involved.

According to the Lupus Foundation of America (www.lupus.org), no gene or group of genes has been proven to cause lupus. It does, however, appear in certain families, and when one of two identical twins has the disease there is an increased chance that the other will also develop it, which strongly suggests that genetics are involved in the development of lupus. Although it is also found in people with no family history of lupus, there are likely to be other autoimmune diseases in some family members. Certain ethnic groups, including Africans, Asians, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians or Paci c Islanders have a greater risk of developing lupus, which may be related to genes they have in common.

While genetics may increase the chance that a person will develop lupus, an environmental trigger sets off the illness or causes it to are. Some examples:

• Ultraviolet rays from the sun,

• UV rays from uorescent light bulbs,

• Sulfa drugs,

• Sun-sensitizing tetracycline drugs,

• Penicillin or other antibiotics,

• Infections,

• Colds or viral illnesses,

• Exhaustion,

• Injuries,

• Emotional stress, such as a divorce, illness or death in the family, and

• Physical stress, such as surgery, pregnancy or giving birth.

Because lupus affects so many different organs, according to the Lupus Foundation of America, a wide range of symptoms can occur. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe and may be temporary or permanent, according to the Mayo Clinic. “Many of these symptoms occur in other illnesses besides lupus,” according to the LFA. “In fact, lupus is sometimes called ‘the great imitator’ because its symptoms often mimic those of rheumatoid arthritis, blood disorders, bromyalgia, diabetes, thyroid problems, Lyme disease and a number of heart, lung, muscle and bone diseases.” The most common are:

• Extreme fatigue,

• Headaches,

• Painful or swollen joints,

• Fever,

• Anemia,

• Swelling,

• Pleurisy,

• Butter y-shaped rash across cheeks and nose,

• Sun- or light sensitivity,

• Hair loss,

• Fingers turning white and/or blue when cold (Raynaud’s phenomen), and

• Mouth or nose ulcers.

Treatment for lupus depends on the individual’s symptoms. Your doctor will help you determine whether yours should be treated and what medications you should use. As symptoms are and subside, you may need to change medications or dosages. The most common medications used to treat lupus include nonsteroidal anti-in ammatory drugs, antimalarial drugs, corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone) and immune suppressants. All these come with possible risks and side effects, so carefully discuss your medication options with your doctor.

Successfully managing lupus starts with being aware of your symptoms and the effects of your illness. You must also be aware of what you can do to prevent ares, and what you should do if you experience one. Also be aware of any changes in your condition that might suggest lupus activity in your body. Most of all, be aware of the stress that often accompanies a chronic illness, and know the best coping strategies