|
So few have heard of it, yet worldwide it's seen as more common
than leukaemia, multiple sclerosis & muscular dystrophy.
Over 30,000 people have the disease in the UK of whom 90% are
female. Men & young children can also be affected by lupus.
The ratio of women to men(who are affected) being 9:1.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, a type of self-allergy, whereby
the patient's immune system creates antibodies which instead of
protecting the body from bacteria & viruses attack the person's
own body tissues. This causes symptoms of extreme fatigue, joint
pain, muscle aches, anaemia, general malaise, & can result in
the destruction of vital organs. It is a disease with many manifestations,
& each person's profile or list of symptoms is different. Lupus
can mimic other diseases, such as multiple sclerosis & rheumatoid
arthritis, making it difficult to diagnose.
Currently there is no single test that can definitely say whether
a person has lupus or not. Only by comprehensive examination and
consideration of symptoms and their history can a diagnosis be achieved.
Lupus is neither infectious or contagious.
| Lupus can be
triggered- |
| ·at puberty |
·during the menopause |
| ·after childbirth |
·after viral infection |
| ·through sunlight |
·as a result of trauma |
| ·after a prolonged course of medication
|
|
| The symptoms:
|
| These may include - |
| -extreme fatigue |
-joint/muscle pain |
| -eye problems |
-depression |
| -mouth ulcers |
-facial or other rashes |
| -miscarriage |
-hair loss |
| -anaemia |
-fever |
| -possible involvement of the kidneys, heart,
lungs & brain |
There is no cure...
People diagnosed with lupus normally remain under medical care
with continuing medication. Many symptoms have less impact as a
result, but side effects can often occur. Lupus can adversely influence
the lives of those who suffer the illness, their families &
friends.
SLE - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
...hard to say - harder to live with...
|
