Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), often referred to simply as "lupus," is an autoimmune rheumatic disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation and damage. This can affect various organs and systems, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and blood, among others. The term "lupus" is derived from the Latin word for wolf, a reference to the facial rash resembling a wolf bite seen in some patients.

Causes of SLE
SLE is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Certain genes increase susceptibility to the disease, which can be triggered by environmental factors such as certain medications or sunlight.

 

Diagnosis
Diagnosing SLE involves clinical evidence combined with laboratory tests, including blood and urine tests. Clinical evidence includes symptoms like joint inflammation, kidney inflammation, and others that align with SLE. Laboratory indicators can include antibodies like ANA, anti-dsDNA, and others.

 

Symptoms
Common symptoms indicating a flare-up include fever, fatigue, and malaise. Lupus can affect multiple systems simultaneously, manifesting in skin rashes, joint pain, kidney issues, and blood abnormalities. Patients might experience symptoms only in specific systems at different times, and the severity depends on the affected organs.

 

Treatment

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
These are commonly used to manage pain and inflammation but can cause stomach issues. They should be taken with food.
 

Corticosteroids
Used to control severe flare-ups, these can cause long-term side effects like bone weakening and increased infection risk.

Antimalarials
These help manage skin and joint symptoms and reduce flares.

Immunosuppressants
Used for severe cases or when other treatments fail, these drugs require regular monitoring due to potential side effects.

Self-Care Recommendations

1. Maintain good hygiene : Regular hand washing, clean eating habits, and dental care are crucial.
2. Infection prevention : Avoid raw and uncooked foods and crowded places.
3. Sun protection : Use sunscreen with high SPF to protect against UV rays.
4. Consult doctors before pregnancy : Pregnancy can aggravate lupus, and certain medications may need to be adjusted.
5. Do not alter medication without consulting a doctor : Unsupervised changes can be dangerous.

 

This overview provides essential insights into managing and understanding lupus, emphasizing the need for medical guidance and careful lifestyle adjustments.