LUPUS - Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the bodys immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue. This results in symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, and damage to joints, skin, kidneys, blood, the heart, and lungs. TYPES OF LUPUS - There are many kinds of lupus. The most common type, is systemic lupus erythematosus, which affects many parts of the body. Other types of lupus are: + Discoid lupus erythematosus—causes a skin rash that doesnt go away + Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus— causes skin sores on parts of the body exposed to sun + Drug-induced lupus—can be caused by medications + Neonatal lupus—a rare type of lupus that affects newborns. CAUSE OF LUPUS - The cause of lupus is not known. However, it is suggesed that genes play an important role, but genes alone do not determine who gets lupus. It is likely that many factors trigger the disease. SYPTOMS OF LUPUS - Symptoms of lupus vary, but some of the most common symptoms of lupus are: + Pain or swelling in joints + Muscle pain + Fever with no known cause + Red rashes, most often on the + Chest pain when taking a deep breath + Hair loss + Pale or purple fingers or toes + Sensitivity to the sun + Swelling in legs or around eyes + Mouth ulcers + Swollen glands + Feeling very tired. Less common symptoms include: + Anemia (a decrease in red blood cells) + Headaches + Dizzy spells + Feeling sad + Confusion + Seizures. Symptoms may come and go. The times when a person is having symptoms are called flares, which can range from mild to severe. New symptoms may appear at any time. PREGNANCY AND CONTRACEPTION FOR WOMAN WITH LUPUS - Women with lupus can and do have healthy babies. There are a few things to keep in mind if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant: + Pregnancy in women with lupus is considered high risk, but most women with lupus carry their babies safely. + Pregnant women with lupus should see their doctors often. + Lupus can flare during pregnancy. + Pregnancy counseling and planning before pregnancy are important. + Women with lupus who do not wish to become pregnant or who are taking medicine that could be harmful to an unborn baby may want reliable birth control. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are safe for women with lupus. TREATMENT FOR LUPUS - There are is no treatments for lupus. However, there is the to consult your doctor for treamtment plan. PREVENTION OF LUPUS - Although there is no cure for lupus, there are several measures that patients can take to cope with the disease. + Sun care - Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 that can block both UVA and IVB rays. + Diet - Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet with limited sugar and salt intake if on corticosteroids. There is some evidence that fish has anti-inflammatory properties, but alfalfa sprouts may increase inflammation. + Pain management - Apply moist heat to painful joints or soak in a hot tub or Jacuzzi. + Exercise - Low-impact walking, swimming, aerobics, and bicycling may help prevent muscle atrophy and lower the risk of osteoporosis. + Rehabilitation - Physical, occupational, and vocational therapists can help you to strengthen muscles, exercise, lower stress, recommend assistive devices, train for a job that does not exacerbate symptoms + Dont smoke. Quit if you are a smoker. + Climate - Changes in pressure can exacerbate symptoms. Try to live somewhere with minimal changes in climate and pressure. + Fatigue - Control fatigue by remaining active and resting for an appropriate amount of time. + Relationships - Maintain good relationships with the physicians that are helping you to manage lupus. Keep appointments, be honest, take medicines, and respect their time. + Pregnancy - Keep aware and consult with a doctor about risks associated with pregnancy for you and your child. + Cognitive function - A psychologist or cognitive therapists may be helpful if lupus leads to cognitive dysfunction or memory loss. Like, share and follow us on twitter at @MedPratitioner Eshun Lord
Posted on: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 05:52:48 +0000
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