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General Description Of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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General Description
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, SLE, is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue and organs. Inflammation can affect many different body systems including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms, and a physical examination lead to a diagnosis. A facial rash across both cheeks resembling wings of butterfly is the most distinctive sign of lupus that occurs in many but not all cases. There is no cure for lupus and only treatments that can help control symptoms.
Pathophysiology
The inflammation caused by lupus can affect many areas of the body. It can cause serious kidney damage and…show more content…
The bone most commonly affected is the hip. Women with lupus have an increased risk of having a miscarriage. The risk of high blood pressure known as preeclampsia during pregnancy and preterm birth increases with lupus. Doctors recommend delaying pregnancy until the disease has been under control for at least six months to reduce these complications. Lupus results from a combination of genetics and environment. Inherited predisposition may develop the disease after contact with triggers. The cause for most cases is unknown. Potential triggers include sunlight, infections, and medications. Sun exposure may bring on lupus skin lesions or trigger an internal response. An infection can initiate lupus or cause a relapse in some people. Certain types of anti-seizure medications, blood pressure medications and antibiotics can trigger lupus. The symptoms of those with drug-induced lupus will go away once they stop taking the medication. Lupus is more common in women, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Asians and most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40.
Symptoms
Blood and urine tests combined with signs and symptoms and a physical examination lead to a diagnosis. The most distinctive sign of lupus that occurs in many but not all cases is a facial rash across both cheeks resembling the wings of a butterfly. The most common signs and symptoms include: fatigue and fever,
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