What is lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs, causing inflammation and damage. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood cells.
There are four types of Lupus:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (The most common type)
Cutaneous lupus (affecting the skin)
A chronic autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the body's own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage in various organs.
Symptoms of Lupus
Symptoms can vary widely but often include:
Fatigue
Joint pain and swelling
Skin rashes (especially a butterfly-shaped rash on the face)
Fever
Hair loss
Kidney problems
Chest pain (due to lung or heart inflammation)
Sensitivity to sunlight
Mouth or nose ulcers
Cognitive issues (memory problems, confusion)
Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause is unknown, but lupus is believed to be triggered by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. It is more common in:
Women (especially of childbearing age)
People of African, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American descent
Those with a family history of autoimmune diseases
Diagnosis & Treatment
Lupus is diagnosed through a combination of blood tests, urine tests, imaging, and symptom evaluation. There is no cure, but treatments aim to manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Common treatments include:
Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Corticosteroids
Immunosuppressants
Hydroxychloroquine (commonly used for skin and joint symptoms)
Biologic therapies (like belimumab)
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Print Outs
Here are some print outs from the Lupus Foundation of America:
English: Understanding Lupus [PDF - 1.3 MB]
Spanish: Entendiendo el lupus [PDF - 2 MB]
