111-29 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375
111-29 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where your immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues and organs. The resulting inflammation can affect various parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.
Diagnosing lupus can be challenging because its symptoms often resemble those of other conditions. One of the most recognizable signs is a butterfly-shaped rash that spreads across both cheeks, but this symptom doesn’t appear in every case.all cases of lupus.
Some people have a genetic predisposition to developing lupus, which can be triggered by infections, certain medications, or sunlight. While lupus has no cure, treatments can help manage its symptoms.
Lupus varies from person to person. Symptoms can appear suddenly or develop gradually, range from mild to severe, and be either temporary or long-lasting. Most people with lupus experience mild disease marked by flare-ups, where symptoms worsen for a period before improving or even disappearing temporarily.
The symptoms of lupus vary depending on which body systems are affected. The most common signs and symptoms include:
See your primary care doctor if you develop an unexplained rash, ongoing fever, persistent aching or fatigue. If you suspect you have lupus or have already been diagnosed, you should see a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists specialize in autoimmune diseases like lupus and can help diagnose, manage, and treat the condition effectively.
Depending on your symptoms, you might also need to see other specialists, such as:
Starting with a rheumatologist is the best approach since they can coordinate care with other specialists as needed.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that develops when your immune system attacks healthy tissues in your body. It’s believed to be caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers.
People with a genetic tendency for lupus may develop the disease when exposed to certain environmental triggers. However, the exact cause of lupus remains unclear. Possible triggers include:
Sunlight: Sun exposure can trigger lupus skin lesions or provoke an internal reaction in those who are susceptible.
Infections: An infection can sometimes trigger the onset of lupus or cause a flare-up in individuals who already have the condition.
Medications: Certain blood pressure drugs, anti-seizure medications, and antibiotics can induce lupus. In most cases, symptoms improve once the medication is discontinued, though in rare cases, symptoms may persist even after stopping the drug.
Factors that may increase your risk of lupus include:
Your gender: Lupus is more commonly diagnosed in women.
Age: While lupus can affect individuals of any age, it is most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45.
Race: Lupus is more prevalent among African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans.
Lupus-induced inflammation can impact several areas of your body, including:
Kidneys: Lupus can lead to severe kidney damage, with kidney failure being a leading cause of death in individuals with lupus.
Brain and Central Nervous System: If lupus affects your brain, you may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, mood changes, vision issues, and even strokes or seizures. Many individuals with lupus also struggle with memory issues and may find it difficult to express their thoughts clearly.
Blood and Blood Vessels: Lupus can cause blood-related issues, including a decrease in healthy red blood cells (anemia) and an elevated risk of bleeding or blood clots. It may also result in inflammation of the blood vessels.
Lungs: People with lupus are at a higher risk of developing inflammation in the lining of the chest cavity, which can make breathing painful. Other complications may include bleeding in the lungs and pneumonia.
Heart: Lupus can cause inflammation in the heart muscle, arteries, or heart membrane, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.
Having lupus also increases your risk of:
Infection: People with lupus are more prone to infections because both the disease and its treatments can weaken the immune system.
Cancer: Having lupus may slightly increase your risk of developing cancer, although the overall risk remains small.
Bone Tissue Death: This condition occurs when the blood supply to a bone decreases, leading to tiny fractures and, eventually, the collapse of the bone.
Pregnancy Complications: Women with lupus face a higher risk of miscarriage, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and preterm birth. To minimize these risks, doctors often advise waiting until the disease has been well-controlled for at least six months before becoming pregnant.
Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center