Systemic Lupus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE is characterized by chronic inflammation caused by an autoimmune disease. Abnormal antibodies are produced in the bodies of those suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and can cause inflammation in tissues anywhere in the body. SLE is more likely to affect women and those of African American and Chinese or Japanese descent. Check out the symptoms of Systemic Lupus.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic Lupus can occur to genetic factors, virus, drugs or UV light. Lupus affects the blood vessels and connective tissues of the skin. This condition is not contagious. In women it has been noticed that symptoms of systemic lupus worsen during the PMS. Systemic Lupus typically tends to affect women in the child-bearing age. This is a chronic condition that has now seen improved prognosis due to better health care facilities such as new immuno-suppressive medication, anti hypertension drugs and dialysis.

A condition of discoid lupus occurs when only the skin is affected by this lupus. Here the patient develops a chronic, scarring skin disease that is non-photosensitive in nature. The rashes are painless and appear on the face and scalp. In about 10% of the cases, discoid lupus progresses into SLE.

Systemic lupus symptom

Typical symptoms of Systemic Lupus include fatigue and fever. There is joint pain and swelling and often skin rashes. Other symptoms of Systemic Lupus are mouth sores, hair loss, headaches and high blood pressure, pericarditis and kidney problems. A person suffering from Systemic Lupus has symptoms such as low-grade fever, loss of appetite and unusual sensitivity to sun exposure. A person suffering from SLE is likely to develop a rash over the nose and cheeks, called the butterfly rash.

When Systemic Lupus gets more severe, it is likely to affect the brain, liver and kidney in addition to reducing white blood cells and blood clotting factors. There may be chest pain upon deep breathing. There may be swelling in the legs or around the eyes. Some patients suffering from Systemic Lupus face symptoms such as depression or seizures.

Though there is no single definitive test for Systemic Lupus, a physician bases his diagnosis on blood tests and typical symptoms of Systemic Lupus. The ANA (antinuclear antibody) test reflects infections or autoimmune disease and can help in identifying SLE. While this condition has no cure, corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory medications have been known to relieve joint inflammation and pain.