Lupus Disease Treatment

Lupus is a severe inflammatory diseases that attacks healthy connective tissue, resulting in serious problems with the skin, joints and other body organs such as the kidneys, lungs and heart. It can also cause damage to the blood vessels and brain. Although it is a common autoimmune disease that can affect both men and women of all ages, it is observed that women, especially those who are in the reproductive age, are at a higher risk of getting lupus disease. Unfortunately, there are no treatment measures to cure lupus completely and so, lupus disease treatment is aimed mainly at curing the symptoms of the disease.

Lupus Disease Causes
What causes lupus? Like most other autoimmune diseases, the exact cause of lupus is not known. However, scientists believe that there are a number of factors that may trigger this condition, including genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. In normal conditions, the immune system of our body produces antibodies that fight against the various viruses and bacteria that are harmful for the body. But, when a person develops lupus , the antibodies fail to distinguish between the harmful cells and healthy body cells. As a result, they end up destroying the healthy cells and tissues of the body.

Lupus is classified into different types based on the causes. Systematic lupus erythematosus is the most common and the most severe type of lupus. It affects most parts of the body including lungs, kidneys, brain, heart and blood vessels. The second type of lupus, known as discoid lupus disease, affects the skin and causes rashes on the face, scalp, arms, and chest. Another type of lupus is the sub-acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, which is a mild variety characterized by skin sores that develop on the arms and legs and other parts of the body exposed to sun. Drug induced lupus is caused due to certain prescribed medications. This is the mildest type of lupus and is usually cured when the person stops taking the medications. Neonatal lupus erythematosus is a rare type of lupus that affects only the newborn babies.

Lupus Disease Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of lupus vary from person to person. Not every person suffering from this disease may experience all the symptoms.

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Chest pain
• Muscle pain
• Pale fingers and toes
• Swollen glands
• Swelling and stiffness of joints
• Hair loss
• Skin rash
• Easy bruising
• Mouth ulcers
• Anxiety and depression

Some people may also experience some neurological disorders including convulsions, confusion and seizures. The symptoms are varied, which makes this disease difficult to diagnose.

Treating Lupus Disease
As I said earlier, treatment mainly involves dealing with its symptoms. Although this autoimmune disease cannot be cured completely, proper treatment can help reduce its severity. Physical examination, blood tests and skin and kidney biopsy may be conducted to identify the condition. Lupus disease prognosis varies widely depending on the organs affected and severity of the inflammation. Most people suffering from lupus have a proper lifespan, provided the condition is diagnosed early and followed by proper treatment.

Some of the prescribed drugs for lupus treatment include anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressive drugs, antimalarial drugs and corticosteroid drugs. Although there is no direct connection between lupus and malaria, antimalarial drugs are prescribed as they help to counter the inflammation caused to various organs of the body. Lupus rash can be treated by application of corticosteroid creams which have a soothing effect on the skin.

As lupus disease treatment is aimed at reducing the signs and symptoms of the disease, certain changes in the diet and lifestyle can prove effective in reducing or alleviating the condition. This includes a well-balanced diet, regular exercises and avoiding exposure to ultra violet radiation.