Learn more about the ins and outs of Lupus
Flare-ups for patients are unpredictable, but with treatment, a person may be able to manage the disease.
POLOKWANE – World Lupus Day was recently celebrated and the Polokwane Observer wanted to know more about the disease.
Dr Wilhelm von Ludwig explained that Lupus is the shorthand name for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and the name is important because it points us to the fact that Lupus is a ‘systemic’ illness.
“This means that the condition affects the whole body. In SLE, a person’s body is at war with itself and instead of attacking enemies (such as infections) from outside, the immune system turns on itself and starts to attack the whole body,” he said.
People with Lupus might experience times when they are well and times where it flares up and they feel unwell. These episodes are unpredictable, but with treatment, a person may be able to manage the disease.
“We still do not know what exactly causes Lupus, but there are several factors that can trigger the immune system to launch an ‘auto-attack’. Genetics and environmental factors (such as viral infections, some medication, smoking and sunlight) are linked to the development of the disease. Stress is also a risk factor since there is a well-documented link between stress and the functioning of the immune system.”
Symptoms can vary and most people go through many tests before they are diagnosed. These symptoms include hair loss, sores in the mouth and nose and red or scaly rashes on the skin. Pain is felt in the muscles and the sufferer might experience fatigue, anaemia or fever. The joints can be swollen and painful and the sufferer can experience stiffness in his/her body in the mornings.
“A butterfly-shaped rash on the face is the classic sign of Lupus but due to the systemic nature of the illness, the symptoms and signs may mimic several other diseases. Any suspected case of Lupus should be seen by a Rheumatologist,” von Ludwig said.
Treatment of lupus can help to control the symptoms and minimise flare-ups. Lifestyle modifications such as protection against the sun and a different diet can be implemented where anti-inflammatories and steroids are used to manage the disease.
