My dog has Lupus; didnt realize animals can get the same kind of sickness as humans. This is what Lupus is: Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Topic Overview Lupus is an autoimmune disease. This means that the bodys natural defense system (immune system) attacks healthy tissues instead of attacking only things like bacteria and viruses. This causes inflammation. Although some people with lupus have only mild symptoms, the disease is lifelong and can become severe. But most people can control their symptoms and prevent severe damage to their organs. They do this by seeing their doctors often for checkups, getting enough rest and exercise, and taking medicines. This topic focuses on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common and most serious type of lupus. But there are other types of lupus, such as discoid or cutaneous lupus, drug-induced systemic lupus, and neonatal lupus. What causes lupus? The exact cause of lupus is not known. Experts believe that some people are born with certain genes that affect how the immune system works. These people are more likely to get lupus. Then a number of other things can trigger lupus attacks. These include viral infections, including the virus that causes mononucleosis, and sunlight. Although these things can trigger lupus, they may affect one person but not another person. What are the symptoms? Lupus symptoms vary widely, and they come and go. The times when symptoms get worse are called relapses, or flares. The times when symptoms are under control are called remissions. Common symptoms include feeling very tired and having joint pain or swelling (arthritis), a fever, and a skin rash. The rash often happens after you have been in the sun. You may have mouth sores and hair loss. Over time, some people with lupus have problems with the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood cells, or nervous system.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 03:50:29 +0000
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