LUPUS – AN AUTOIMMUNE DISORDER .

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. For reasons unknown our body’s immune system starts attacking the tissues, organs including the joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, blood and skin.

Lupus predominantly affects women between the age group of 15 to 45.

Lupus is far more common than leukemia and multiple sclerosis, yet awareness about this disease is less than other less commonly occurring autoimmune diseases.

Without early diagnosis and treatment, lupus can be severely debilitating or deadly. If ignored or left untreated Lupus can lead to multi-organ failure or damage and prove fatal.

Symptoms of Lupus:

·         Fever

·         Fatigue

·         Loss of appetite

·         Hair loss

·         Rashes

·         Swollen glands

·         Sensitivity to light

·         Chest, muscle  and  joint pain

·         Ulcers in the mouth

Treatments include steroids, painkillers and autoimmune suppressants. Dietary regulations and change in ones behavioral pattern also seem to help.

While living a full life is possible, early diagnosis and consistent treatment are critical. A complete cure remains elusive.