Lupus
This chronic inflammatory disease occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own organs and tissues. Lupus is more common in women, blacks, Hispanics and Asians and often is diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40. There are four varieties of lupus, and no two cases are alike. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, weight loss or weight gain, joint pain, a butterfly-shaped rash over the cheeks and bridge of the nose, mouth sores, skin lesions, chest pains, anxiety and easy bruising. Symptoms tend to flare up for a while, then ebb or disappear before another flare-up occurs. People with lupus are vulnerable to infection because the disease affects the immune system. They also often experience kidney damage. Treatment depends on individual symptoms.
Recently Answered
- Q What increases my risk for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
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Age, gender, and race are the primary risk factors for SLE. Systemic lupus erythematosus is more common in women and usually develops between the ages of 15 and 40. Asians, blacks, and Hispanics are more vulnerable to this disease than other races.... Full Answer
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- Q What form of lupus causes a rash on the face and achy joints?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyAching joints and a rash on the face may be signs of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This condition (which most doctors simply call lupus) occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. The most distinctive signs of... Full Answer
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- Q Does lupus cause extreme fatigue?
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Yes, about 90 percent of people with lupus experience general fatigue at some point during the course of the disease. Sometimes, you may feel better after taking a short afternoon nap. But, sleeping longer than an hour and a half during the day may cause... Full Answer
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- Q What are the risks of lupus?
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Lupus is a disease that can have widespread, whole-body effects. Risks can involve multiple organ systems. Specific examples include your skin, by causing rash and sun sensitivity, kidneys via inflammation, and the heart, by inflaming its lining.... Full Answer
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- Q How can I keep my lupus in remission?
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Dr. Maoshing Ni, GerontologyLupus is an autoimmune condition. What you have to do is to make sure your immune system does not flare up again. Here is what I suggest: 1. Consult with your physician about incorporating acupuncture into your treatment; it can help keep your... Full Answer
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- Q What is the best way to cope with fatigue caused by lupus?
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The majority of people with lupus experience chronic tiredness and fatigue. Some find this symptom so debilitating that they can no longer work. The best way to cope is to maintain good physical and mental health. Regular exercise is beneficial, as is... Full Answer
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- Q Does lupus cause pulmonary hypertension?
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About 10 percent of people with lupus also suffer from pulmonary hypertension. In a person with lupus, the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, causing a variety of inflammation throughout the body. Pulmonary hypertension is one problem lupus... Full Answer
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- Q What is organic brain syndrome in lupus?
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Organic brain syndrome is a general term for physical disorders that impair brain function. Other names are cerebritis, encephalopathy, and acute confusional state. Lupus can cause organic brain syndrome. To diagnose this condition, a doctor will need to... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for lupus fog?
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Lupus fog affects some people that already have lupus. There are several things that can lead to instances of fogginess. Medication that is used to treat lupus can exacerbate the problem, affecting the brain in such a way that cognition becomes... Full Answer
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- Q Is losing weight due to lupus a cause for concern?
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You can lose weight as a result of increased lupus activity in your body. Certain lupus medications can cause you to lose your appetite, and as a result, lose weight. No matter what the cause, you should speak to your doctor to make sure your weight loss... Full Answer
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