Lupus
What is Lupus ?
Lupus is a disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. The most distinctive sign of lupus — a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks — occurs in many but not all cases of lupus. Some people are born with a tendency toward developing lupus, which may be triggered by infections, certain drugs or even sunlight. While there’s no cure for lupus, treatments can help control symptoms.
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
- Butterfly-shaped rash on the face
- Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure
- Fingers and toes that turn white or blue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dry eyes
- Headaches, confusion, memory loss
Cause
Experts don’t know for certain what causes lupus. Studies have found that certain factors about your health or where you live may trigger lupus Genetic factors: Having certain genetic mutations may make you more likely to have lupus. Hormones: Reactions to certain hormones in your body (especially estrogen) may make you more likely to develop lupus. Environmental factors: Aspects about where you live and how much pollution or sunlight you’re exposed to might affect your lupus risk. Your health history: Smoking, your stress level and having certain other health conditions (like other autoimmune diseases) might trigger lupus.
Risk Factors
Anyone can develop lupus, but some groups of people have a higher risk. Women, especially women between the ages of 15 and 44. Black people. Hispanic people. Asian people. Native Americans, Alaska Natives and First Nations people. Pacific Islanders. People with a biological parent who has lupus.
When to see a Doctor
See your doctor if you develop an unexplained rash, ongoing fever, persistent aching or fatigue.