Lupus is an autoimmune disorder wherein immune system mistakes the tissues of the body as foreign and attacks it causing pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Lupus is an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system mistakes the healthy cells and tissues of the body as foreign and attacks it. It can attack the blood vessels, joints, organs (e.g. lungs, kidneys, heart and brain) and skin, depending on the type, which will be discussed later. The exact cause of lupus is still unknown and there is no single test available to diagnose lupus as its symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and inflammation, are similar to those of other ailments. Although anyone can get lupus, women are at greater risk compared to men. Moreover, lupus is more common in certain races, including African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American.
Types of Lupus
There are several different types of lupus. Some of the most common types of lupus are the following:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Most common type
- Affects several parts of the body
- Discoid lupus erythematosus
- Results to a skin rash that doesn’t disappear
- Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
- Results to skin sores on body parts that are exposed to the sun
- Drug-induced lupus
- Caused by use of certain medications, such as anti-seizure medications, blood pressure medications and antibiotics
- Neonatal lupus
- A rare type that affects newborns
Symptoms of Lupus
Symptoms of lupus will vary in individuals and no two cases are precisely similar. Symptoms may ether be minor or severe, develop gradually or suddenly, or may be short-term or long-term. In majority of lupus cases, individuals have flares, episodes where the symptoms exacerbate temporarily then improve or completely disappear for some time. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
- Fever and fatigue
- Rash that covers the bridge of the nose and cheeks, shaped like a butterfly
- Skin lesions that manifest or aggravate upon sun exposure
- Finger and toes that turn white or blue upon experiencing stress or exposure to cold
- Chest pain
- Dyspnea
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Dry eyes
Complications from Lupus
There is a very wide variety of complications that can arise from lupus. It can lead to complications in different organs of the body:
- Kidney damage and failure
- Increases risks for hallucinations, behavioural changes, seizures, and strokes, among others
- Anaemia and blood clotting disorders
- Pleurisy
- Pericarditis, cardiovascular disease and heart attacks
Treatment for Lupus
Many treatments will be necessary to treat the symptoms of lupus. The main goals of treatment include preventing flares, treating flares when they occur and decreasing organ damage and other complications. Medications include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs0) for pain, swelling and fever
- Antimalarial drugs for malaria
- Corticosteroids for inflammation
- Immune suppressants for suppression of immune system
Although no direct first aid can be applied in cases of lupus, having a greater and wider understanding of a risk factor for numerous diseases and source of pain and inflammation in the body can greatly help when taking First Aid Courses. Also, it is strongly advised for individuals with lupus to take first aid training as they are at greater risks for developing many emergency situations.
Sources:
Lupus. (2011). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved on October 8, 2013, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lupus/DS00115
What is Lupus? Fast Facts: An Easy-to-Read Series of Publications for the Public. (2009). National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Ski Diseases. Retrieved on October 8, 2013, from http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Lupus/lupus_ff.asp