WHAT IS LUPUS(LUPUS ERYTHEMATOUS)?
Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disorder that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks yours own tissues and organs.
Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems- including your joints,skin,kidneys,blood cells,brain,heart and lungs.
RISK FACTORS
Age -lupus can affect all age groups but is common in between the age of 15 and 45.
Sex - lupus is more common in female.
Race-It is more common in african,american,hispanics and asian-americans.
COMPLICATIONS
- Kidney failure
- Storke
- Heart attack
- Pregnancy complication
- Hip destruction( also called avascular necrosis)
- Cataracts
- Bone fractures
- Joints deformities
- Skin deformities
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
SYMPTOMS
- Achy joints (arthalgia)
- Unexplained fever
- Swollen joints ( arthritis)
- Skin rash
- Ankle swelling and fluid accumulation
- Pain in the chest when breathing deeply (pleurisy).
- A butterfly shaped rash across the face and nose.(also called malar rash)
- Hair loss.
- Sensitive to the sun and /or other lights.
- Seizures.
- Mouth or nose sores.
- Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress (RAYNAUD’S PHENOMENON)
CAUSES
- Autoimmune disease
- Genetic and environmental factors
- Some potential triggers such as sunlight,infection,medications.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
DIAGNOSIS
- Physical examination(A person should have at least 4of the following 11 criteria)
- Malar rash
- Discoid rash
- Photosensitivity
- Oral ulcer
- Arthritis
- Kidney disorder
- Neurological disorder
- Inflammation
- Positive ANA test
- Blood disorder(anemia,leukopenia,lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia)
- Immunological disorder
- Laboratory tests such as CBC,ESR,LFT,KFT,urine examination.
- Imaging test-chest x-ray ,Echocardiogram.
- Biopsy -skin biopsy.
- Antinuclear antibody test (ANA).
TREATMENT
Conventional treatment includes use of:
- NSAIDs
- Antimalarial drugs
- Corticosteroids
- Immunosuppressants
- Biologics
MANAGEMENT
- Low impact Exercises such as walking, swimming and biking.
- Enough rest
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure
- Take care of fever and infection
HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT
- Belladonna( for malar rash or butterfly rash)
- Mercurius solubilis( oral and /or naso-pharyngeal ulceration)
- Borax (mucosal ulceration mainly in oral mucosa)
- Rhus tox ( joints and musculoskeletal complaints)
- Hyocyamus (NPSLE)
- Aconite(anxiety,fear,general restlessness)
- Cinchonna officinalis(hemolytic anaemia)
- Ferrum mettalicum
DO'S AND DON'TS
DO'S
- Low impact Exercises such as walking, swimming and biking.
- Enough rest.
- Look out for fever and infection.
DON'TS
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid smoking
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure.
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