WHAT IS LUPUS(LUPUS ERYTHEMATOUS)?

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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.

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RISK FACTORS

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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.

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COMPLICATIONS

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•  Kidney failure
• Storke 
• Heart attack
• Pregnancy complication
• Hip destruction( also called avascular necrosis)
• Cataracts
• Bone fractures
• Joints deformities
• Skin deformities

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SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

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SYMPTOMS

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1. Achy joints (arthalgia)
2. Unexplained fever 
3. Swollen joints ( arthritis)
4. Skin rash
5. Ankle swelling and fluid accumulation
6. Pain in the chest when breathing deeply (pleurisy).
7. A butterfly shaped rash across the face and nose.(also called malar rash)
8. Hair loss.
9. Sensitive to the sun and /or other lights.
10. Seizures.
11. Mouth or nose sores.
12. Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress (RAYNAUD’S PHENOMENON)

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CAUSES

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1. Autoimmune disease 
2. Genetic and environmental factors
3. Some potential triggers such as sunlight,infection,medications.

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DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

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DIAGNOSIS

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• 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).

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TREATMENT

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Conventional treatment includes use of:

1. NSAIDs
2. Antimalarial drugs
3. Corticosteroids
4. Immunosuppressants
5. Biologics

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MANAGEMENT

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1. Low impact Exercises such as walking, swimming and biking.
2. Enough rest
3. Avoid alcohol
4. Avoid smoking
5. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure
6. Take care of fever and infection

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HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

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1. Belladonna( for malar rash or butterfly rash) 
2. Mercurius solubilis( oral and /or naso-pharyngeal ulceration)
3. Borax (mucosal ulceration mainly in oral mucosa)
4. Rhus tox ( joints and musculoskeletal complaints)
5. Hyocyamus (NPSLE)
6. Aconite(anxiety,fear,general restlessness)
7. Cinchonna officinalis(hemolytic anaemia)
8. Ferrum mettalicum

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DO'S AND DON'TS

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DO'S

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1. Low impact Exercises such as walking, swimming and biking.
2. Enough rest.
3. Look out for fever and infection.

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DON'TS

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1. Avoid alcohol
2. Avoid smoking
3. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure.

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