Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. This chronic inflammatory condition can affect various parts of the body including the skin, joints, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. The most common type of lupus is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), which can have a range of symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, fever, and a distinctive butterfly-shaped rash on the face. Other forms of lupus are Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus, which primarily affects the skin, and Drug-induced Lupus, triggered by certain medications. The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

Diagnosing lupus can be challenging due to its varied symptoms and the fact that it often mimics other diseases. There is no single diagnostic test for lupus; instead, a combination of blood and urine tests, symptoms, and physical examination findings are used to make the diagnosis. Treatment of lupus typically focuses on controlling symptoms and minimizing organ damage, and may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antimalarial drugs, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants. Since lupus is a disease of flares and remissions, patients require regular monitoring and treatment adjustments over their lifetime.