What is lupus?

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Lupus, or SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) is a type of "autoimmune disease." When it is working normally, the body's immune system kills germs and "bad" cells that could turn into cancer. When a person has an autoimmune disease, instead of killing only bad cells, the immune system starts to attack healthy cells. This is called an "autoimmune response." It can happen in certain parts of the body in people who get lupus. This is what causes symptoms.

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What are the symptoms?

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• Feeling tired or weak

• Losing or gaining weight

• Fevers, 

• Headaches

• Butterfly-shaped rash on their nose and cheeks, especially after being in the sun

• Hair loss

• Joint pain and stiffness, swelling in the hands, feet, belly, or around the eyes

• Urine that looks brown (tea-colored) or foamy

• Sores in the mouth

• Cold fingers or toes that turn pale or blue

• Hard to think clearly, and it can make people feel anxious and sad. That is partly because the disease attacks the brain, and partly because the disease is hard to deal with

• When lupus is severe, it can also affect inside organs such as effects on kidneys, blood counts, nerves and rarely heart or brain.

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How is it diagnosed?

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Diagnosis of lupus is usually based on comprehensive history and physical in combination with a battery of tests including blood and urine tests. 

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Some of common tests performed are antibody tests such as ANA (anti-nuclear antibody), dsDNA (double stranded DNA), SSA (Sjogren syndrome A), SSB (Sjogren syndrome B), SM (Smith), RNP, complement tests, etc.

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How is it treated?

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Even though you will probably have lupus for the rest of your life, it might not be severe but rather mild or moderate. Today, doctors know a lot more about how to handle the disease than several decades ago, so with a regular care you are likely to live healthy, and your symptoms go away for long periods.

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Treatment can include oral, subcutaneous or sometimes intravenous medications to modulate or dampen your immune system so as to reduce inflammation in various parts of your body or organs. 

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A good quality high SPF sunscreen and protective clothes to reduce sun exposure is recommended as well. 

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Early treatment is essential to help slow the progressive inflammation and prevent organ damage.