pathoscribe

Written by Kirsten Baititay | Art by Lily Ozaeta

Our immune system is a primary line of defense against illnesses and infections. But what happens when that system begins to fight against our own body? This is the case with autoimmune diseases, lupus being one of them.

As a chronic autoimmune disease, lupus causes inflammation and pain in different parts of the body, with the most commonly affected areas being the internal organs, skin, and joints. Although people might assume that there is only one type of lupus, there are four types; systemic, drug-induced, cutaneous, and neonatal. Cutaneous and neonatal lupus affects the skin and the babies of women with lupus, respectively. 

Being an autoimmune disease, the cause of lupus is unknown. However, it is most probable that lupus comes from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There are 50+ genes that have been identified to be more common within those affected. Additionally, those with genetic predispositions–or an increased chance of developing a disease due to one’s genetic history–may develop it when they come into contact with a trigger. Possible triggers are ultraviolet light or sun exposure, infections, and certain types of medication. Despite these triggers being impartial, lupus more commonly affects women and minority groups, though the reason why is still unknown.

To add proverbial insult to injury, lupus is difficult to diagnose as its signs and symptoms usually mimic those of other illnesses. Because of this, a combination of tests are used for diagnosis, these being displays of signs and symptoms, physical examination results, and blood and urine tests. Some laboratory tests used are a complete blood count as anemia is common in those with lupus, kidney and liver assessments as these organs are commonly affected, and an antinuclear (ANA) test. Many people with lupus have positive ANA tests, meaning they have a stimulated immune system, as indicated by the presence of certain antibodies. 

As mentioned, the display of signs and symptoms is an indicator of lupus, despite their mimicking other illnesses. The most common symptoms are fatigue, joint swelling, fever, and the butterfly-shaped rash across the face that gives lupus its name. However, this disease varies from person to person, making it difficult for those with lupus to handle.  The progression, severity, and location of the disease differ between victims, but there is one main commonality; those with lupus will have periods of mild disease followed by flares, periods when symptoms worsen, which then recede or disappear for some time.

Given all these intricacies, lupus is a disease that can cause various complications for those with it, such as kidney damage, inflammation of the heart, and increased vulnerability to infection. However, there are treatments to quell symptoms, like the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for swelling, pain, and fever. As lupus is an autoimmune disease, antimalarial drugs and immunosuppressants can also be used to target the immune system. The former helps reduce the risk of flares while the latter suppresses the immune system. 

When your body fails you, it is easy to feel immense frustration and stress. This is why it is crucial for those with lupus to have a strong support system and for those of us who are unaffected to be all the more supportive, not only for lupus but for any ailment.

Works Cited: 

Mayo clinic. “Lupus – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 21 Oct. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/symptoms-causes/syc-20365789.

Mayo Clinic. “Lupus – Diagnosis and Treatment – Mayo Clinic.” Mayo Clinic, 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365790.

Lupus Foundation of America. “What Is Lupus?” Lupus Foundation of America, Lupus Foundation of America, 2018, www.lupus.org/resources/what-is-lupus. 

‌Lupus Foundation of America. “What Causes Lupus?” Lupus Foundation of America, 2018, www.lupus.org/resources/what-causes-lupus. 

‌Lupus Foundation of America. “Lupus Facts and Statistics.” Lupus Foundation of America, 23 July 2021, www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-facts-and-statistics. 

‌“What Does “Lupus Erythematosus” Mean? | Lupus Foundation of America.” Www.lupus.org,www.lupus.org/resources/what-does-lupus-erythematosus-mean#:~:text=The%20word%20lupus%20(from%20the. 

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