What is systemic lupus erythematosus?
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form of lupus as well as the most severe type of lupus. It is an autoimmune disorder that develops antibodies to attack good tissues in the body. This results in inflammation and complications for the organs, blood vessels, skin, and joints. SLE is the most severe form of lupus because it has the largest number of symptoms and is a permanent condition.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form of lupus as well as the most severe type of lupus. It is an autoimmune disorder that develops antibodies to attack good tissues in the body. This results in inflammation and complications... More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Lupus is a disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. This is called an autoimmune disorder and can be compared to the idea of "friendly fire." Lupus causes inflammation in the body's organs.
The immune system is an elaborate network of cells, tissues, and organs that helps to protect the body from invaders (bacteria, viruses, fungal infections, and parasites). Usually, the immune system develops only to act upon foreign substances, and immune system cells that try to combat cells of the body are weeded out during the development process. In lupus, however, the cells of the immune system begin to injure the body's own tissues. This can cause permanent scarring that ultimately jeopardizes the function of certain organs and systems in the body.
Lupus affects each person differently - one person may experience a totally different set of symptoms than someone else suffering from the disease.
The most common form of lupus is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE can affect many different organ systems in the body. It causes chronic inflammation, especially of the kidneys, joints, and skin. It can also affect the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
The cardiovascular system includes the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease, not lupus, is the number one cause of death for people with SLE. Maintaining cardiovascular health is critical to keeping lupus in check.
SLE can attack the nervous system by affecting the antibodies that bind to nerve cells or by interrupting the blood flow to the nerves. Conditions that often result include:
•Cognitive dysfunction
•Fibromyalgia
•Headaches
•Organic brain syndrome
•Central nervous system vasculitisLupus is a disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. This is called an autoimmune disorder and can be compared to the idea of "friendly fire." Lupus causes inflammation in the body's organs. The immune system is an elaborate... More -
Lisa Davis answered:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that may affect the joints, skin, brain, kidneys, and other organs.
When someone has an autoimmune disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This is what happens with SLE. When the body's tissues are attacked, inflammation takes place.
SLE is much more common in women than men.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that may affect the joints, skin, brain, kidneys, and other organs. When someone has an autoimmune disease, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This is what... More
