Lupus is a disease that is not easily detected, as it can mirror other types of illnesses. Some celebrities with Lupus are Toni Braxton, Nick Cannon, Paula Abdul and most recently, Kristen Johnston.
On any given day the human body is invisibly attacked by outside organisms, bacterial or viral germs, which seek to destroy it. A healthy body’s immune system will create antibodies to fight off those attackers. In the body of a person suffering from Lupus, some of those antibodies may remain in the body longer than they should. In Lupus patients, the body cannot distinguish between healthy tissues and foreign invaders, and the antibodies may begin to attack the body itself, causing discomfort, pain, swelling, and organ damage. The effects of Lupus on the body may be slight, severe, or life-threatening.
Although lupus is a chronic disease, its symptoms may flare and recede. Since Lupus symptoms may be similar to those of many other disorders and diseases, it is imperative that the patient be seen by a doctor who is educated and skilled in discerning between Lupus and other problems. There is the possibility that Lupus may be passed down genetically. While it affects mostly non-Caucasian young adult women, men and children can also suffer from Lupus. The disease is not contagious and bears no link to cancer, AIDS, or HIV.
Symptoms of Lupus include:
- anemia
- blood clotting
- blueness (or whiteness) of fingers or toes when exposed to cold
- chest pain or tightness when breathing deeply
- edema (swelling) around eyes, or in hands, legs, or feet
- fatigue to extreme degrees
- fever (new or unusually high)
- hair thinning or loss, or brittleness
- headaches
- joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation
- lesions in nasal passages
- photosensitivity (sensitive to sunlight or other light)
- rash (similar to the shape of a butterfly) affecting cheeks and nose
- ulcers inside the mouth
The symptoms of Lupus can mirror those of blood disorders, diabetes, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid issues, and other diseases. Additionally, medications used to treat Lupus may cause similar symptoms, so your doctor must be aware of which medications you are taking. You should notify your doctor immediately if you suffers from the sudden onset of Lupus symptoms or from severe abdominal pain, seizures, bruising, or bleeding.
Read: Lupus Scar Treatment
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