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As per recent reports, lupus disease has become more widespread in recent years than ever before. The surge may be connected to the recent Covid-19 pandemic. It becomes tough to diagnose it since lupus disease symptoms can vary significantly among two patients. Availability of information and awareness on the internet has brought into acknowledgement the signs of lupus, which has helped people get it diagnosed early.
In this article, we will talk about the causes of lupus and why you must not ignore any symptoms. Read on to know more.
What is Lupus Disease?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system of the body starts attacking its healthy tissues. It thus results in diseases like lupus. Lupus disease can affect different parts of the body like joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, brain, etc. Depending on the affected area, a doctor may be able to tell you what causes lupus. One of the most prominent lupus symptoms is the butterfly-shaped facial rash. As of now, effective lupus treatment is not available. Medications and treatments help in controlling the symptoms.
Types of Lupus Disease
Lupus disease can be of different types depending on the body part it affects. Usually, healthcare specialists may call it systemic lupus erythematosus, which refers to a type of disease where the whole body is affected. Systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms can differ from one person to another. Other types of lupus include:
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
The type of lupus that affects the skin is known as cutaneous lupus erythematosus. It has three stages depending on the severity. Most people from Hispanic, Asian, and Black races are likely to get skin lupus.
Drug-affected Lupus
As the name suggests, drug-affected lupus are the ones that are caused as a side effect of certain medications. Usually, such an infection may go away once you stop taking medicines.
Neonatal Lupus
Newborns may sometimes be born with lupus. If the parents have lupus, babies may have it too.
Early Signs of Lupus You must Not Ignore
To understand what is lupus disease, you need to know more about the signs and symptoms of the disease. It is essential to note that different patients of lupus can have different sets of symptoms, which is why it is difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Women are more likely to be affected by lupus, and so, early signs of lupus in females must not be ignored. Here are some of the common lupus symptoms:
1. Pain
Lupus patients may experience general pain in the body. It may be joint and muscle pain, headache, body pain, or even chest pain while breathing.
2. Rashes
Rashes are a common symptom of lupus, but not everyone gets them. Usually, it may affect your face or other body parts. The butterfly-shaped rashes all over the cheeks and nose are a common symptom.
3. Fever and Fatigue
A feeling of fatigue all day can be associated with lupus. Also, random fever may occur and go after a while. Although fever is a very common symptom for almost all sorts of diseases or due to an exhausted schedule, it can be a sign of lupus disease as well.
4. Swollen Glands
Some people may experience swelling of various glands in the body. It may be due to lupus.
5. Skin Lesions
Skin lesions are another impact of lupus. In some cases, skin lesions may get worse when exposed to sunlight.
6. Breathing Problems
People may experience chest tightness or stiffness. It may also further trigger breathing shortness and problems.
7. Memory Loss
Memory loss is not a very common lupus symptom. However, in some cases, people may experience a sudden memory loss problem.
8. Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are common for people who have a long screen time on a daily basis. However, if you haven't had it before and dry eyes are a problem that is new to you, you must get it checked. It may be a sign of lupus.
9. Mental Issues
Patients with lupus disease may also experience the symptoms like anxiety, depression, sadness, and confusion .
10. Seizures
In some patients, lupus disease can affect them to the extent that the person may get seizures. It is essential to get a quick medical check-up.
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Causes of Lupus Disease
The exact cause of lupus remains unknown. However, there are certain conditions that may trigger or put you at a higher risk of getting lupus. These include:
1. Certain Medications
Certain medicines may have a serious impact and can cause symptoms of lupus.
2. Infections
Infections are common in humans. Some infections, at some point, may trigger lupus in the body.
3. Sunlight
Skin lupus may be caused by excessive exposure to sunlight. So, it is essential to wear full clothes when there is scorching sunlight outside.
4. Gender and Race
Women are at higher risk of developing lupus than men. However, everyone, including children, is at risk of lupus. Also, people of certain races, like Asians, Hispanics, and Africans, are more likely to report the cases of lupus disease among them.
5. Family History
Individuals who have had a family history of lupus disease may be at a higher risk of developing lupus.
Treatment for Lupus Disease
Lupus treatment involves medications and lifestyle changes. Bringing some healthy restrictions can help avoid the severity of the disease. Your doctor may recommend:
1. Avoid Sunlight
People with skin lupus may get affected when exposed to sunlight or strong artificial light. So, it is best to avoid the sun as far as possible. You can wear sunscreen, full clothes, and a hat when stepping out in the sun.
2. Medications
Certain medicines like hydroxychloroquine or methotrexate may be prescribed that help lower inflammation, rashes, and other effects of lupus.
You may also be recommended certain steroid injections like corticosteroids to help inflammation. Apart from these, topical ointments and creams may also help treat rashes and inflammation. Make sure to consult your doctor before using any of these solutions.
3. A Healthy Diet
Lupus disease requires you to have a healthy diet to lower the effects of the disease. It is important to have a fibre-rich diet along with green leafy vegetables and fruits.
4. Exercise
Daily physical exercise helps keep you healthy. You may do yoga, jogging, walking, aerobics, light body weight, etc., on a daily basis.
To Conclude
Lupus is usually not a deadly disease. With lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and prescribed medications, one can control the impact of lupus disease. The very first step is to acknowledge the symptoms of lupus and contact your doctor soon to avoid its deadly stages.
So far in India, lupus has not been termed as a critical illness or disability. So, it does not fall under the critical illness category of health insurance plans. However, hospitalisation expenses (if any) due to any health issue may be covered depending on the chosen health plan. At Care Health Insurance, you can choose from a range of health plans that best suit your medical needs.
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.
