Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its self. Lupus can affect different parts of the body including the skin, blood, kidneys, and joints. There are four different types of Lupus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous Lupus, Drug-Induced Lupus, and Neonatal Lupus. However, the most common and deadly lupus is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a long term disease that causes inflammation of various tissues in the body. Symptoms associated with SLE are fever, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle aches, joint pain, fatigue, hair loss, shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and protein in urine, but for the most part it will depend on which part of the body is being affected. Many people with SLE have flares in which symptoms get
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There is no known cure for SLE, the aim is to reduce symptoms. Treatment can differ depending on how severe the symptoms are and which part of the body is being affected. Medication that can be provided are Anti-inflammatory medication for joint pain and stiffness, Corticosteroids, to reduce the immune responses, antimalarial drugs for skin and joint problems and steroid medication. Diet and exercise should be taken into to consideration, avoiding certain foods and minimizing stress could decrease the likely hood of triggering symptoms.
SLE is one of the more fatal forms of rheumatic diseases that affects women more than men. 1.5 million American have lupus and nine out of ten are women. SLE death rates has increased 70 percent since 1979 amongst African American women aged 45-64 years. (http://www.cdc.gov/lupus/index.htm) An appreciation of facts of SLE is essential including the current limit of knowledge about the disease and management. A better understanding of the disease can help people all over the world learn to be more aware of its prominent position in the society