Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and causes harm to its own healthy cells and tissues. A chronic inflammation develops from the autoimmune dysfunction and the result can be progressive and often systemic damage to essential body tissues. Lupus is a highly variable disease, with some people experiencing only mild inflammatory symptoms and others experiencing debilitating, progressive harm to body organs and systems. The name “lupus,” is the more common name for systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE.

While medical science has not established a single cause for lupus, the actual trigger mechanism is the production of antibodies that attack normal body cells instead of the normal immune response to foreign bodies or cells. When the nucleus of a cell is attacked, the cell dies. Gradually, as more and more cells are affected, the tissues and organs are weakened, becoming less able to function effectively. Factors that may contribute to this trigger mechanism include:

• Genetic predisposition

• Hormones (more women have SLE than men)

• Environmental substances

• Viruses and bacterial infections

• Immune system problems

• Stress

While lupus affects each person differently, the disease characteristically exhibits a “cycle” – a period relatively free of symptoms, followed by a “flaring” of the disease. The interval between flarings will differ from person to person and from one episode to the next. Symptoms that may be present either chronically or only during a flaring include:

• A butterfly rash on the cheeks and nose

• Joint pain all over the body

• Inflammation around the heart

• Kidney problems

• Fever and generalized fatigue

• Seizures

• Depression

• Memory loss

• Hair loss

• Anemia causing fatigue

• Low white cell count, increasing susceptibility to infection

• Low platelet count, bruise easily

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Difficulty swallowing

There is no cure for lupus, but there are effective treatments to relieve the symptoms and to reduce the inflammation that accompanies a “flaring.” The treatment methods used are individualized according to the nature and severity of symptoms, but may include various combinations of those listed below.

• Medications are used to suppress the inflammation and abnormal immune response.  Aspirin, Tylenol, ibuprofen, or NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) may be used for milder symptoms. Corticosteroids may be prescribed for severe symptoms. Topical steroid creams will help with the rash.       

• Rest is required to decrease demands on the body organs during a flaring of lupus.      

• Nutrition is important to increase strength and to nourish to body tissues.      

• Avoiding the sun is helpful in preventing skin irritations.      

• Education is essential for patients to learn how and when to use medications, what their side effects may be, and how to avoid activities that may precipitate a flaring of the symptoms.      

• Emotional support is an important part of treatment for the patient with lupus and for the patient’s family to help them deal with the chronic and often progressive nature of the disease.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or would like more information about lupus, please call 1-888-563-KNEE(5633) to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.