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| *Women health>>>Lupus |
I have a friend who has lupus. What is it and how does someone get it? |
I've been told that it affects the joints, it also causes your hands and feet to get cold. Lupus: A chronic inflammatory condition caused by an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune system. Patients with lupus have unusual antibodies in their blood that are targeted against their own body tissues. Lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous system. When only the skin is involved, the condition is called discoid lupus. When internal organs are involved, the condition is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Up to 10% of persons with discoid lupus (lupus limited to the skin) eventually develop the systemic form of lupus (SLE). SLE is eight times more common in women than men. The causes of SLE are unknown. However, heredity, viruses, ultraviolet light, and drugs may all play a role. Eleven criteria have been established for the diagnosis of SLE: Malar (over the cheeks of the face) "butterfly" rash Discoid skin rash: patchy redness that can cause scarring Photosensitivity: skin rash in reaction to sunlight exposure Mucus membrane ulcers: ulceration of the lining of the mouth, nose or throat Arthritis: 2 or more swollen, tender joints of the extremities Pleuritis/pericarditis: inflammation of the lining tissue around the heart or lungs, usually associated with chest pain with breathing Kidney abnormalities: abnormal amounts of urine protein or cellular elements Brain irritation: manifested by seizures (convulsions) and/or psychosis Blood count abnormalities: low counts of white or red blood cells, or platelets Immunologic disorder: abnormal immune tests include anti-DNA or anti-Sm (Smith) antibodies, falsely positive blood test for syphilis, anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, or positive LE prep test Antinuclear antibody: positive ANA antibody testing The treatment of SLE is directed toward decreasing inflammation and/or the level of autoimmune activity. Persons with SLE can help prevent "flares" of disease by avoiding sun exposure and by not abruptly discontinuing medications. Neonatal lupus: A lupus-like disease in a baby due to the transfer through the placenta of lupus antibodies from the mother who has lupus to the fetus. (By lupus here is meant SLE -- systemic lupus erythematosus.) |
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Lupus: A chronic inflammatory condition caused by an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune system. Patients with lupus h... You can find some really good, valid information on the Lupus foundation website. There are also links for support groups as well. Lupus manifests itself differently for different people, ... YES,Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system,for unknown reasons,becomes hyperactive and attacks normal tissue.The attack results in inflammation and brings about sym... I have Lupus. SLE or Lupus can affect any organ of the body. It is possible. One can also get damage to organs from the drugs we take to help us daily in the battle with lupus. Here is s... You may ask your doctor about Provigil (modafanil). It is a non-addictive, non-amphetamine based medication used most commonly in the treatment of narcolepsy and MS-related fatigue. It is ... Looking for answers is a great way to help her. Activities like dancing, walking through the mall, travel, etc. can really take its toll on someone with lupus. It is a chronic disease and ... Im sorry i do not know of any DvDs you can watch and workout to. If you have cable and tivo there is a show on at 6am on the Oxygen network called Inhale. Its a hatha yoga class/workout sh... I'm sorry your friend is going through so much. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder. She needs to look for a doctor who specializes in that field. One of the best books on the subject is &qu... |
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