Things That You Should Know About Lupus

Lupus is a type of autoimmune disease wherein the body starts attacking itself. This means that the immune system of the patient becomes hyperactive and it comes to the point that it starts attacking the normal and healthy cells of the body, this result in swelling and inflammation. It can also lead to damage of the patient’s skin and joints, along with other organs such as the kidneys, liver, lungs, and even the heart.

In a normal body, the immune system kicks in when there is an antigen causing problems in our body. Normally, antigens produced from viruses and bacteria that harbor in our body causing illness. These antigens are attacked by the antibodies produced by our body and serve as our main line of defense against these bacteria and viruses.

In the patients suffering from lupus, the antibodies are unable to differentiate between the healthy cells and the antigens, and therefore start attacking both. When the antibodies start attacking the healthy, normal cells, they cause swelling and pain due to tissue damage.

Although, there are numerous classifications of lupus the most common type of lupus is SLE also known as systemic lupus erythematosus. This kind of lupus affects both men and women but it is more common in women than in men. The risk factors for developing lupus are viral infections like Epstein -Barr, exposure to sunlight, exposure to some chemicals, and intake of some kinds of prescription medications.

The higher incidence rate of lupus among females indicates that certain hormones may cause this condition. Scientists believe that hormones play an important role in development of the disease estrogen is one such hormone. Some external factors can also can trigger lupus they may include smoking, extreme stress and exposure to certain chemicals. Some antibiotics especially those classified under the penicillin and sulfa group can trigger lupus.

Lupus if left undiagnosed can lead to serious complications like cancer, bone tissue death and organ failure.

T he exact cause of lupus is unknown, it would be best to take preventive measures like exercise and well balance diet.