Do You Know What Systemic Lupus Is?
Author: MIKE SELVON
The immune system is a mysterious mechanism. Like a pitbull, the immune system will guard against foreign attackers mercilessly to protect its home, and yet, it can also turn on its master, attacking it ferociously all the same. Doctors aren't exactly sure what causes the autoimmune disease called systemic lupus, but they suspect it's a murky concoction of factors.
Inherited genes, UV light, hormones, viruses and drugs may all contribute to the condition. Some of the most recent Lupus Foundation research suggests that a key enzyme fails to eliminate cellular debris, which can happen as a result of a gene mutation.
So, you ask, what are the symptoms and signs of systemic lupus? In 5-10% of the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, they develop red, bordered, non-itchy skin rashes on the face and scalp. This form of lupus is called "discoid lupus" and while painless, can cause permanent hair loss and scarring.
Half the patients with systemic lupus have a red "butterfly rash" across the bridge of their nose and experience extreme sensitivity to sunlight. Most patients experience arthritis in their hands, wrists and feet.
More serious inflammation of organs occurs in the brain, liver, and kidneys. White blood cells and blood clotting factors also can be decreased in SLE, thereby increasing the risk of infection and bleeding. Inflamed muscles, blood vessels, lungs, kidneys and other body parts can cause internal injuries resulting in chest pain, fluid retention, high blood pressure, kidney failure, loss of appetite, seizures, comas, personality changes, fatigue, fever, numbness, hair loss and Raynaud's phenomenon (lack of blood supply and pain in the fingers and toes). The symptoms vary, depending on which part of the body is affected and the severity of the condition, of course.
Doctors can diagnose systemic lupus using eleven criteria established by the American Rheumatism Association. If a patient has four or more symptoms, then a diagnosis is strongly urged. Symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus are: malar (butterfly rash over the cheeks), discoid skin rash (patchy redness), photosensitivity (reaction to sunlight), mucus membrane ulcers (in the mouth, nose or throat), arthritis (swollen, tender joints), pleuritis/pericarditis (inflammation of the lungs/heart tissue), kidney abnormalities (excessive urine protein or cellular casts), brain irritation (seizures or psychosis), blood count abnormalities (low red or white blood cells), immunologic disorder (anti-DNA or abnormal activity) and antinuclear antibody (presence of ANA antibody). Blood tests, blood chemistry tests, body fluid tests and tissue biopsies can help uncover symptoms of lupus as well.
Treatment for systemic lupus is determined on an individual basis, depending on symptoms and inflammation levels. Patients with mild symptoms may not need treatment at all, but those with more serious symptoms may try medications that suppress the body's immune system or decreases inflammation.
Many patients report difficulty sleeping, which can lead to depression, lethargy, random eating patterns and diminished coping abilities. Therefore, sleep aids are an important complementary treatment. Most recently, the 2007 national Rheumatology meeting said that an omega-3 fish oil supplement may decrease heart risks and diminish disease activity.
Tags: arthritis, lupus, rash, systemic lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic lupus erythematosus rash, what is systemic lupus
why is the butterfly rash in systemic lupus erythematosus was called such?
other than being shaped like a butterfly, are there any other mechanisms on why this butterfly-like appearance or rashes becomes visible on the affected patients? I hope you could help me. thanks!
Only 30% of patients with lupus have a butterfly rash.
Since Lupus is a system disease, meaning inside. Lupus can affect kidneys, joints, blood etc. As eczema it’s an autoimmune disease.
I know I’m off topic….
The butterfly rash will get worse with sunlight as most lupus patients are photosensitive, like having sensitive skin, it’ll act like a sunburn.
It’s an anti-inflammatory action of the body.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or Rheumatoid Arthritis?
My symptoms are: Extremely painful to walk, rashes, blood in urine, Anemia (had to get iron infusions), headaches, extreme fatigue, ect. I seen a doctor who did some x-rays, blood work & a physical exam. She recently called me & told me from my lab results came back & said i have either Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or Rheumatoid Arthritis. She said my blood work showed alot of abnormalities & even infection. She wanted me to start on a steroid right away. She put me on (10 mg pills of Prednisone) for 10 days until my follow up with a Rheumatologist. Okay my question: What is Lupus & Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Are these 2 illnesses simular? She will be calling me back within 5 days with the other test results. Has anyone personally experienced this? She said my illness is treatable but not cureable. I’m still pretty young & this is a shock to me & i’m having a hard time dealing with not knowing what i’m dealing with i guess my new doctor will be able to answer alot of questions later.
Thanks for the advice i will go look there.
is this story of mine at all good?!
?
Intro.
I never really had it all you could say. Most kids worried about wearing their brand named clothes, having amazing cars, and having the perfect boyfriend/girlfriend. Personally all i worried about something much bigger. All I want to do is live.
My life was going great until i hit 14. My parents were constantly fighting, for reason i still don’t know. They were at each other throats. So much, I thought eventually the neighbors would call the police. I had to be like a mom to my sister Lilly, 12 (who was also my best friend), even though she was only 2 years younger then me, since my mom would blame us for all the arguing.
One morning after 2 agonizing years of hell my dad walked out on us. My mother became depressed. She saw a shrink 2 times a week and hardly got out of bed. and that put an enormous amount of pressure on me.. More then was already set on me. The pain of my dad leaving was pretty awful. After he left, a new burden began to show its ugly face.
Oh i guess i never really introduced myself properly. My name is Kailey. I’m now 16 years old, and im dying.
Chapter 1
“Breathe in and out deeply,” the nurse Sally said as she held a cold stethoscope to my chest. I did as I was told and answered a text message from Mona at the same time.
“Come over tonight? My mom’s out, and we can cook something strange! bring Lilly along!” -Mona.
“Yeah sounds great! I have to ask my mom first of course. But you know her. So I will probably be there. What time?” I replied quickly, and put away my phone as the doctor walked in.
“Hello, Kailey. How are you today?” Dr. Highman asked.
“Same old. Same old. I havent been having as much axiety attacks lately.” I said checking my phone seeing if the was a new text yet.
“So, the pills are working then huh?”
“Yup,” i hiccuped. “Excuse me, but its not a thrill having to add another pill to my daily million of them.” i said sarcastically.
“I understand, but having Lupus, is a differicult disease to control.” He said while writing something down on his clipboard.
Lupus is the common name for systemic lupus erythematosus, also called SLE. Common symptoms include feeling very tired and having joint pain or swelling (arthritis), a fever, and a skin rash. Over time, some people with lupus have problems with the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood cells, or nervous system. I have it really bad in my nervous system, my joints, and my lungs and heart. Not to mention, my shortness in breath and how im tired often, and get feverish every once and a while. I guess having it since i was 4 has something to do with all the symtoms.
I nodded my head in agreement.
“So hows your mother doing? I noticed she isnt here,” he looked up at the empty chair next to the examination table, “again,” then at me.
I looked away from his gaze and answered, “Well she doing fine i guess, still doesnt get out much. but im making sue she eats properly and takesher meds. Don;t worry about it doc.” I smiled and looked up at him again.
“Well that good. dont forget, her appointment is…”
I cut him off, “Next week on tuesday, I know. I know.” I rolled my eyes, upset that i was 16 already and now had to drive her everywhere.
He nodded, “Ok. Well, miss. Kailey, you seem to be just fine, just keep up everything your doing. and here are your medication refills.” He scribbled on a peice of paper and handed it to me.
I looked at it and just slowly nodded.
“See you next time.” He walked out of the room.
I sat in the room for a while. I felt my pocket vibrate and took out my phone.
“hmm, around 5? you guys can spend the night too, if you want.” -Mona.
“Yeah ok sounds good. just got out of the doctors right now. heading home.” Send.
I got off the table and walked out of the room. I was heading out the doctores office, but then turned into the restroom. i set my phone on the sink and unzipped my pants and sat down. i didnt even have to go. My eyes felt droopy. I got back up and zipped my pants back up, put my phone in my pocket and turnined on the sink. I washed my hands then rinsed my face. I looked at myself in the mirror for a while. My auburn hair next to my ears were wet from wetting my face. My hazel eyes were bloodshot from my lack of sleep last night. I rinsed my face once more, dried it off and walked out of the restroom.
I opened the door to my old beat up mustang, and sat down.
“Oh? how’d it go?” -Mona.
“Ya know.. The same.” Send.
“Nothing wrong?” -Mona.
“Nope everythings A-OK. Well for me anyway. haha” Send.
“Thats good. =] Are you nervous about starting junior year?” -Mona.
I started the car and pulled out. I drove just down the road then stopped at a gas station for some snacks.
I walked in the door and swear everyone stopped and looked at me. But I’m probably just paranoid. i walked around and grabbed a bag of hot fries, a 2 liter coke, a bag of chocolates, and some macrowaveable ravioli’s. Yum, what a lunch.
I paid
It sounds good to me.
Should I get tested for Lupus?
Hi, I’m 16 years old. I’ve been suffering from bumps and redness on my face (cheeks, mostly), and it’s been something which I cannot get rid of. I thought it was just acne. My mom, however, is currently studying to be a nurse, and in her textbook she stumbled upon a picture of the butterfly rash often associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (known as Lupus/SLE). I didn’t think much of it, until my mom and I researched the symptoms.
These are the symptoms I’m currently experiencing:
*Rash?
*Extreme fatigue
*Depression
*Joint pain (mostly in my knees and ankles)
*Migraine-like headaches almost every day for the past month
*Difficulty concentrating
*Psychosis
*Inflamation of organs-last year I was diagnosed with gastreoenteritis.
*Also, about a week and a half ago my back (around the kidney area) started hurting
*I thought it was my period, but I have dried up blood that comes out everytime I wipe after urinating.
*I have virtually no appetite.
*My vision has been blurred the past few days.
*The “flares” started about 2 weeks after the fatigue.
What do you think about it?
Thank you in advance.
P.S- The symptoms listed started before I found out about the disease…less chance of psychosomatic diagnosis
Yes, you should probably get tested!
Lupus is an Autoimmune disease, which is caused by both genetic and environmental factors, so, if you have a family history of auto immune diseases (Such as Crohns Disease, Scleroderma, Rheumatoid Arthritis ect…) You are at an increased risk, also if you are female and between 15 to 45.
It takes awhile to diagnose Lupus, but your doctor will (most likely) refer you to an Internal Medicine Doctor, or may order the test themselves (Blood test! Urine test!) And depending on what the doctor thinks, the blood test will include an ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test (Very important test!!! if this comes out positive, it could mean Lupus, or another auto-immune disorder!!!)
Some other blood tests may also include tests for Hep. C, and Hep D, along with a Creatinine test, Bilrubin and Albumin test (Too much to type- Google it!) and ALT test (To see how epic your liver is doing!)
So YES. Get tested; because like I said, it takes awhile to diagnose because the symptoms mimic so many other diseases; it could take months.
Good Luck!
I’m 17 and had Lupus symptoms too; test results come back in January (Next month!) Hope 4 the best!
I need help editing my research paper. I’m really bad at papers…..please help!?
Well, its on lupus. I have the intro and two body paragraphs, and I still need to do the conclusion. So, I was wondering what I should change on my paper, and what I need to add..? I also have to do a powerpoint based on the paper, that should last a minimum of 5 minutes up to 15.
The reason why I chose this topic was because my dad has lupus, and I wanted to know more about the topic. He was diagnosed with lupus when he was about fourteen years old. He still receives treatment for it by going in for blood tests and taking medication He has the most common form of lupus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), in which causes the antibodies to react against his own normal tissue. He has arthritis and joint problems, but nothings wrong with his internal organs. To support my dad and other lupus survivors, my family and I all go to the lupus walk in honor of remembering the people who had lupus that died. The things the audience can expect to read in this paper are the different types of lupus, the symptoms, the treatment and cures.
Lupus is the result of an unbalanced immune system that can be destructive to any organ in the body. It can be categorized into three groups: discoid lupus Erythematosus, systemic lupus Erythematosus, and drug-induced systemic lupus Erythematosus. DLE is always limited to the skin and is identified by a rash that may appear on the face, neck, and scalp. It can evolve into the systemic form, which can affect any organ or system of the body. Systemic lupus Erythematosus is more severe than discoid lupus and can affect almost any organ or organ system of the body. No two people with SLE will have identical symptoms. Drug-induced systemic Lupus Erythematosus occurs after the use of certain prescribed drugs. It is more common in men, because the drugs are given to them more often.
Lupus is hard to diagnose because it has a wide range of symptoms involving various parts of the body; and symptoms differ from each person. Most people develop painful joints and a rash, but lupus may also cause fatigue, depressions, and kidney problems. The treatment of lupus varies from person to person because each person has different symptoms. Most people with SLE require a regular blood test to check for lupus flares. Medication is the primary medical treatment for lupus. Presently, there are no other methods available to treat lupus because there is nothing else that can have the necessary impact on the immune system. Currently, there is no cure for lupus, but with early diagnosis and proper medical treatment it can significantly help control the disease.
thanks. it would be much appreciated!!!!