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Lupus is one of America 's least recognized major diseases. An estimated 1.5
million Americans have lupus. In fact, more Americans have lupus than cerebral
palsy, multiple sclerosis, sickle-cell anemia, and cystic fibrosis combined.
However, while lupus is widespread, awareness and accurate knowledge about it
lag behind many other illnesses. Lupus is on the rise, and scientists don't know exactly why.What is Lupus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (S.L.E.), commonly called lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disorder
that can affect virtually any organ of the body. In lupus, the body's immune system has stopped
working properly—antibodies that normally protect you against infection are misdirected and
attack healthy tissues and organs. This may cause inflammation, injury and pain.
In lupus the inflammation occurs inside the body’s vital organs and systems.
The targets vary from person to person, but can include the skin, joints, kidneys,
brain, heart, lungs, or blood. Most people with the disease have symptoms restricted
to only a few parts of the body.
Types of Lupus
The broad term “lupus” usually refers to S.L.E., which is the most common type of lupus.
In addition, there are two other types of lupus: Cutaneous lupus affects the skin.
One of the most common types of skin lupus is called discoid lupus erythematosus,
and is identified by a rash that may appear on the face, neck or scalp, and by hair loss.
This form of the disease is not life-threatening. About 10 percent of people with discoid
lupus eventually develop systemic lupus, and about 30 percent of systemic lupus patients
will have discoid lupus rashes. Drug-induced lupus, which is triggered by certain medications,
usually goes away when the medicine is stopped. The symptoms in this form of lupus may be milder.
What Causes Lupus?
The cause of the disease is unknown. Researchers think genetic, environmental and possibly hormonal
factors combine in some way to cause the condition. You can’t “catch” lupus from someone else,
and it can’t be sexually transmitted. While lupus can run in families, it most likely takes
external factors to trigger the illness, such as overexposure to ultraviolet rays or certain drugs.
Infections, trauma, stress, surgery or hormones may also bring about symptoms of lupus.Who is Most Likely to Get Lupus?
If you are female you are at greater risk. Lupus may occur in males or females and can happen at
any age, but young women between the ages of 15 and 44 are most likely to develop the disease.
Some researchers think female sex hormones, especially estrogen, have an effect on the immune
system and make females more susceptible to developing lupus. Lupus is more common among
African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American women.
Importance of Early Detection
Lupus is unpredictable, highly individualized, hard to live with – and sometimes fatal.
However, early detection and treatment can usually lessen the progression and severity of the disease.
