The Lupus Chronicles

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a type of autoimmune disease.  Autoimmune disease happens when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. In other words, your body turns against you. There are several types of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, Graves’ disease....etc. There are over 80 known autoimmune diseases. Your immune system attacking you can lead to inflammation and organ damage; therefore, it’s very important to get diagnosed as soon as possible. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologics, and antimalarial drugs. Additionally, it’s highly suggested to follow an exercise routine (it does NOT have to be heavy and exhausting) and a healthy diet. Sadly, many healthcare professionals ignore the importance of mental health. Living with a chronic illness is not easy, to say the least. The constant struggles, medication side effects, or even lifestyle changes can cause depression and anxiety. Taking care of our mental/emotional health with the help of counseling, support groups, spiritual/religious practices, and coping skills is essential.

SLE can attack any part of your body. It most commonly affects the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and your blood (anemia). SLE, if not treated, may cause serious, even life threatening damage. Symptoms vary from person to person, but lupus is not known for bothering only one part of your body and leaving everything else alone.

The exact cause of SLE is unknown. It may be linked to the following factors:

• Genetic

• Environmental

• Hormonal

• Certain medicines

About 90% of people who are diagnosed with SLE are women between the age of 15-44. In the United States, it’s more common among African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans than non-Hispanic white people.

Although SLE is the most common type, there are 4 types of lupus:

• Cutaneous lupus: a form of lupus that is limited to the skin

• Drug-induced lupus: a lupus-like disease caused by certain prescription drugs

• Neonatal lupus: a rare condition that affects infants of women who have lupus

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Lupus Foundation of America created a great tool called Could It Be Lupus. It cannot diagnose lupus but your answers about signs and symptoms can be useful to your doctor.