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Lupus is a chronic condition affecting the body's immune system that causes it to attack the body's own healthy tissue. The immune system is responsible for producing antibodies that help to fight off viruses, bacteria and other germs. In lupus, the immune system creates autoantibodies that attack healthy tissue and cause inflammation, pain and damage to different parts of the body.

Lupus mostly affects women although it can also occur in the case of men. The term lupus is usually used as a substitute for systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, the most common type of lupus. Estimates of the number of people diagnosed with lupus vary since symptoms can vary.

Lupus takes effect gradually and can affect any organ in the body. In women, lupus is usually diagnosed between older teens and adults over the age of forty five, but it may also occur in children and in older adults. Many women experience only mild symptoms but for some, it can prove to be life threatening and needs constant monitoring.

What causes lupus is a mystery but certain factors can increase your chances of getting it. The factors that increase the risk of getting lupus include:

• Environmental factors - Stress, smoking, some medications and viruses may cause symptoms in people who are predisposed to getting lupus
• Hormones - Some hormones such as estrogen can play a role, which is why fertile women are more prone to this disease
• Genetic factors - People who have the genes associated with lupus may develop the disease

The signs and symptoms of lupus can vary markedly depending upon which part of the body is being targeted by the immune system.

Symptoms are usually characterized by cycles of outbreaks and remissions and include:

• Stiffness and pain in the joints that may be accompanied by swelling.
• Muscle aches, pains and weakness.
• Fever of undetermined origin.
• Constant fatigue.
• Skin rashes including a butterfly shaped one across the face.
• Inexplicable weight gain or weight loss.
• Anemia.
• Memory and cognitive problems.
• Kidney problems of unknown origin.
• Chest pain when breathing deeply.
• Sensitivity towards sunlight and bright lights.

There are other symptoms that occur less frequently including:

• Blood clots
• Seizures
• Sores inside the mouth and under the nostrils
• Dizzy spells
• Hallucinations
• Depression
• Stroke

The prognosis for women suffering from lupus depends on the severity of their condition. Most women (and men) lead long, productive lives. In some cases lupus can be fatal. It all depends on many factors such as the severity of the disease and the body's response to treatment. With better care and management people with lupus are living longer lives when compared to those cases in the past.

Treatment options for lupus aim to:

• Prevent a recurrence of symptoms
• Treat symptoms as they occur
• Contain damage to organs

There are many different types of medications used to treat lupus and provide symptomatic relief.

These include medication to:

• Reduce pain and swelling - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help provide relief from mild pain and swelling. They may cause gastric irritation and heartburn and may be given along with antacids. They should be avoided after the first trimester.
• Medication to calm the immune system - Corticosteroids may be used to reduce swelling and pain in parts of the body. Higher doses may be given to calm the immune system. Prednisone is one such drug which is very effective.
• Medication to prevent organ damage
• Medication to prevent damage to joints

You will need to consult your doctor on a regular basis so that your treatment plan can be adjusted as and when necessary.

Reference

• http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/lupus.cfm

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