2024 Author: Brian Parson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 15:02
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that damages various parts of the human body. The skin, heart, lungs, joints, kidneys, blood and nervous system can be affected. It is a disease in which the body makes antibodies that do not function properly, but attack and destroy completely healthy tissue.
Lupus can be mild, but can reach a life-threatening form. According to statistics, about 5 million people worldwide suffer from lupus. The disease mainly affects women of childbearing age - from 15 to 44 years, but there are also many affected men and teenagers.
Causes of lupus
The exact causes of lupus have not yet been determined. It is claimed that sunlight, medications or some infections can provoke the manifestations of the disease. Pregnancy worsens lupus because it increases its activity. Vaccines, mechanical injuries, thermal burns, bacterial and viral infections - they can all trigger lupus.
Types of lupus
Discoid lupus - characterized only by a rash on the skin. Plaques or the so-called skin lesions. The most commonly affected parts of the body are those that are exposed to the sun. This type of lupus can form bald parts on the scalp that have changes in pigmentation.
Systemic lupus erythematosus - in this form of the disease, antibodies bind to molecules that are found in the blood and create immune complexes. These immune complexes are deposited in the small vessels and inflame them. The surrounding tissue is additionally damaged. Systemic lupus causes inflammation in various tissues and organs, and separately is the cause of the development of vasculitis and perivasculitis.
Lupuscaused by certain medications - the use of drugs or certain medications can trigger lupus. It is a reversible condition that most often occurs in people treated for a long time due to another disease. The symptoms of lupus, which is caused by drugs, disappear after a long rest.
Symptoms of lupus
In the disc-shaped form of lupus the skin of the face and scalp are affected. A red rash appears, which leaves a scar when it heals. Hair can be lost around the affected areas.
Systemic symptoms lupus they can be many and varied. The most characteristic manifestations are fatigue and exhaustion; loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss; skin rashes and pronounced hypersensitivity of the skin to sunlight appear; the fingers may darken, cool, and turn white. There is a thinning of the hair; damage to the mucous membranes and vision; kidney complaints; inflammation of the heart and lungs; joint pain, muscle pain, swelling and arthritis. There are changes in the blood that can cause anemia and vasculitis.
Lupuscaused by medication has the same symptoms as systemic lupus.
Diagnosis of lupus
The diagnosis of lupus is difficult because its symptoms can be an indicator of a number of diseases. There are some criteria by which the disease can be diagnosed. These are: malarial rash, disc rash, sensitivity to light, oral ulcers and arthritis, pleurisy, kidney problems, neurological and hematological changes. Specialized tests are also performed, which finally confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of lupus
Lupus treatments focus on eliminating the side effects that the disease causes. A cure for the disease itself has not yet been found, so treatment should focus on pain relief. Anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for pleurisy and arthritis pain. Corticosteroids, usually in the form of ointments or lotions, can be prescribed for skin problems. Treatment should be supervised by a specialist to avoid possible complications.
Recommended for patients with lupus avoid exposure to direct sunlight. They must wear appropriate protective clothing, wear glasses and hats. They should not take over-the-counter medications so as not to further aggravate the disease process. Heavy physical activity is not recommended. Patients should rest more, avoid any stressful situations and tension.
Nutrition in lupus
Patients with lupus must follow a certain diet. First of all, potassium intake should be increased. It can be found in all fruits, but mostly in bananas, blackberries and melons, plums and oranges. Vegetables, especially asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cereals and legumes, tomatoes, peas, spinach, tomatoes are extremely useful. To increase the consumption of dairy products.
The diet can include acidic foods and vitamin C - wheat, lamb and turkey, fish, prunes, peas and apricots. Carbohydrate restriction is recommended. Add to your menu foods high in zinc - oysters, fish, chicken and eggs. Taking medication during treatment can seriously irritate the stomach. Therefore, medications can be taken with food to be properly absorbed.
The article is informative and does not replace a consultation with a doctor!
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