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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Author: Joane Nate
by Joane Nate
Posted: Aug 09, 2014

Systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammation infection that can affect any parts of the body. SLE is an autoimmune infection, meaning that when it strikes, it triggers the immune system of the body to attack other healthy tissues. The exact cause of the infection has not yet been established and it can affect the brain, joints, skin, kidneys and other body organs. According to reports about past infections, a good number of the cases have been reported on women; however, it can affect men too.

Systemic lupus erythematosus may occur at any age but often diagnosed in people between the ages of 10 to 50 years. There are also certain drugs that have been pointed out to cause SLE like Isoniazid, Hydralazine and Procainamide. Some reports also indicate that viral infections may also trigger the occurrence of this health condition. However, these may vary from one person to another since the immune systems are usually not the same in all.

Symptoms of SLE

The signs of Systemic lupus erythmatosus vary greatly from one person to another. Besides, they may also be on and off; they may appear and disappear. Below are some of the most common symptoms of this health condition.

  • Feeling tired with joint pains and swellings
  • Fever
  • Skin rashes especially after spending some time in the sun
  • Mouth sores and hair loss
  • Over time, some patients may develop heart, kidney, lung, blood cells and nervous system problems.
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle aches

Depending on the organs that are affected, other symptoms may also b experienced. Besides, the severity of the disease may also generate other symptoms. More than half of people who are affected by this disease develop red flat facial rash just above the bridge of the nose. The rash is usually not itchy and does not elicit any pain. However, exposure to sunlight can worsen the rashes and inflammation in certain body organs.

The diagnosis of Systemic lupus erythmatosus depends on a variety of clinical findings and lab evidence. The condition can be quite hectic to recognize and may even take weeks to years in order to be diagnosed. It affects people in different ways. A professional health practitioner will look at the symptoms that you are exhibiting and recommend further tests in order to ascertain your condition. Further testing may involve antibody blood tests, complement tests, complete blood count, and urinalysis among others.

Treatments

In case you have been diagnosed with SLE, there are various kinds of treatments that can be administered. In case your condition was as a result of taking certain medicines, you are advised to stop taking them after which the symptoms may be wiped out.

The treatment to be offered to a patient of SLE is based on the severity of the condition or the organs that are affected in case there is any. Some of the medications that can help in controlling the development of the symptoms and organ damage include NSAIDs (Acetaminophen), Antimalarial drugs, and Low-dose corticosteroids among others. In case organs are damged, surgery may be performed.

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Author: Joane Nate

Joane Nate

Member since: Aug 08, 2014
Published articles: 4

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