What is Lupus? Causes and treatments

Lupus causes inflammation throughout the body. 

It is an autoimmune disease — this implies that, instead of your immune system to protect your body, it destroys it. Lupus is a tricky health condition because many parts of the body are affected. It causes different symptoms which makes diagnoses challenging. 

A single test cannot determine or confirm lupus. 

You have to go through different tests to arrive at it. This disease is a lifelong condition but can be managed. The lupus symptoms you have today can change over time. That is why you need to constantly visit the hospital. 

Lupus is a disease that cannot be prevented because its main cause is yet to be ascertained. 

Symptoms

Lupus causes symptoms all over the body but the severe pain people go through depends on the organs or systems it affects. Lupus is not something you notice in time because it develops slowly. These are the common symptoms:

1. Body pain.

2. Rashes.

3. Headaches.

4. Fatigue.

5. Hair loss.

6. Swelling.

7. Shortness of breath.

8. Blood clots.

READ ALSO: How women can manage various types of Lupus

Causes

1. Environmental factors

Where you reside can contribute to this disease. The rate at which you expose yourself to sunlight and other harmful toxins can increase the risk of getting lupus. 

2. Reaction to hormones

Your hormones, especially estrogen, can make you develop lupus when you react to them.

3. Health history

Your health history can also increase your chances. If you have autoimmune diseases or you smoke, you can develop lupus. 

Treatments 

The following are treatments that can only help manage lupus and minimize its effect on the body.

 1. Corticosteroids

These are medications that help to reduce inflammation. It could be through taking medicines or injecting into one of the joints.

2. Hydroxy chloroquine

This is an antirheumatic drug that can reduce lupus symptoms or slow down its progression.

3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 

These drugs relieve pain as well and reduce inflammation. It is only your doctor who can tell which one is best for you.

4. Immunosuppressants 

These are medications that help to control your immune system and hinder it from being active against you. Immunosuppressants can prevent inflammation and tissue damage.