Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and lungs. Lupus is a chronic disease, which means it can last a lifetime, with alternating periods when symptoms get worse (flares) or lessen (remissions). Although lupus is not contagious, it can be very difficult to both diagnose and treat.

What is lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's healthy tissues, causing inflammation. It can affect various organs and tissues, causing a wide range of symptoms that often make it difficult to recognize and diagnose.

Types of lupus

Lupus is divided into several types, depending on how the disease manifests itself and which organs it affects.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

• The most common type of lupus, which can affect different parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and nervous system.
• The severity and manifestations of the disease can vary greatly between patients.

Discoid lupus

• It mainly affects the skin, causing round, red rashes that can leave scars.
• It is not as severe as systemic lupus erythematosus, but can develop into SLE.

Subacute cutaneous lupus

• Causes skin rashes, often after sun exposure. The rash usually does not scar.

Neonatal lupus

• A rare form of lupus that affects newborns and is linked to maternal autoantibodies. This form can cause rashes, liver problems or, rarely, heart problems.

Lupus causes and risk factors

The exact causes of lupus are unknown, but it is thought to result from an interaction of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors.

Causes:

• Genetic factors: certain gene mutations can increase the risk of developing lupus. The disease is more common in people with a family history of lupus.
• Hormones: estrogen, the female sex hormone, can affect the development of lupus, as the disease is more common in women, especially those of reproductive age.
• Environmental factors: sunlight, smoking, infections (eg Epstein-Barr virus) and stress can contribute to lupus flares.

Risk factors:

• Gender: lupus affects women more often (about 9 out of 10 cases).
• Age: lupus is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 45.
• Ethnicity: African Americans, Asians, and Native Americans are at higher risk.

Lupus symptoms

Lupus is known as the "great imitator" because its symptoms can mimic those of other diseases. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and change over time.

The most common symptoms:

• Fatigue: more than 90% of patients report constant fatigue.
• Joint pain and swelling: Arthritis-like pain is common, especially in the wrists, knees and elbows.
• Rash: A butterfly-shaped rash on the face (above the cheeks and nose) is a characteristic feature of lupus.
• Photosensitivity: increased sensitivity to sunlight that causes rashes or worsens existing symptoms.
• Hair loss: partial or diffuse hair loss is a common manifestation of lupus.
• Kidney damage (lupus nephritis): a serious complication that can lead to kidney failure if left untreated.

Other symptoms:

• Low-grade fever.
• Chest pain (pleurisy or pericarditis).
• Mouth ulcers.
• Mental fogginess or cognitive impairment.
• Cardiovascular disorders.

Lupus diagnostics

Diagnosing lupus can be difficult because the symptoms of the disease are non-specific and resemble many other diseases. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.

Diagnostic methods:

• Medical history and physical examination: the doctor assesses the patient's symptoms and their duration.
• Blood and urine tests:

  • ANA test (antibody test): a positive result may indicate lupus or other autoimmune diseases.
  • Anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm antibodies: more specific lupus markers.
  • Urinalysis: helps identify kidney damage.
• Imaging tests: X-ray or EHO helps to assess lung and heart health.
• Skin or kidney biopsy: is performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of organ damage.

Lupus treatment

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): relieves pain and inflammation, especially in the joints.
• Antimalarials (such as hydroxychloroquine): helps control skin and joint symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Lifestyle Adjustment:

• Stress relief: yoga, meditation or therapy can help improve your emotional state.
• Sun protection: use sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure.
• Regular physical activity: can help reduce fatigue and improve joint mobility.

Outbreak control:

Lupus complications

Untreated lupus can cause serious health problems:

• Renal failure: lupus nephritis is one of the most serious complications.
• Cardiovascular diseases: Lupus patients have a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
• Lung problems: pleurisy, pneumonia or pulmonary embolism.
• Risk of infection: reduced immune function increases susceptibility to infections.

Prevention and improving quality of life

Lupus cannot be cured, but proper treatment and preventive measures can significantly improve the patient's quality of life.

Tips for everyday life:

• Visit your doctor regularly: monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
• Avoid infections: get vaccinated and follow hygiene requirements.
• Maintain a balanced diet: enriched with fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Learn to recognize the signs of flare-ups: early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening.

Conclusions

Lupus is a complex and multifaceted disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues in the body. Although the disease is incurable, early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and lifestyle adjustments can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. Cooperation with your doctor and regular health monitoring are essential for successful lupus management.