Lupus Definition
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus may affect many different body systems, including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs.
Lupus Diagnosis
Diagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms vary considerably from person to person. Signs and symptoms of lupus can change over time and overlap with those of many other disorders.
Lupus Treatment
Treatment for lupus depends on your signs and symptoms. Recognizing whether your signs and symptoms should be treated and what medications to use requires a careful discussion of the benefits and risks with your doctor. As the signs and symptoms flare and subside, you and your doctor may find that you'll need to change medications or dosages.
Lupus Symptoms and Signs
The signs and symptoms of lupus that you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. But, in general, lupus signs and symptoms may include: Fatigue, Fever, Weight loss or gain, Joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Butterfly-shaped rash (malar rash) on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
Lupus Causes
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that instead of just attacking foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses, your immune system also turns against healthy tissue. This leads to inflammation and damage to different parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and brain.
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Lupus