The name Lupus means wolf in Latin, and because we have known about the disease during the last thousand years or so are believed to have received this name because rashes that occur are similar to the appearance of wolf bites.
In very general terms Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease by which the immune system, which is designed to attack abnormal tissue and maintain a healthy, becomes hyperactive and attacks normal tissue and healthy. We currently do not we know what brings on these attacks, but give rise to inflammation and rashes from the visible symptoms.
Lupus occurs more frequently in women in nine out of ten people with lupus are women. People of all races can have the disease. However, lupus is also more common in African American women, and Hispanics, Asians and Native American females.
There are four different types of Lupus and can be broken down as follows:
1. Lupus erythematosus affecting the skin.
2. Lupus erythematosus (SLE) can attack any of the systems of the body: skin, joints, the lungs, blood, blood vessels, heart, kidneys, liver, brain and nervous system.
3. Drug-induced lupus may develop after taking certain prescription drugs. However, the symptoms disappear after the drugs are stopped.
4. Neonatal lupus is a disease rare.
Again, these areas can be divided into more detail and, in many cases are treated by their GP or medical specialist advice.
Although the disease must be respected and can be fatal, is considered a manageable chronic disease rather than a fatal, with 80% to 90% of people living a normal life. When death occurs, the two most common causes are infections by other opportunistic infections and kidney failure.
Lupus is not contagious, nor can it be transmitted through sexual contact, and is not a form of cancer, nor is in any way similar to AIDS. In fact, it behaves in the opposite manner to that of AIDS. Syndrome acquired immune deficiency has an active immune system and immune system in cases of Lupus is overactive, producing large quantities of antibodies.
Although the cause of lupus is really unknown, is believed to be caused by a number of factors, including genetic constitution and it is suspected that people could inherit – but there is no scientific evidence of this. Exposure to certain unknown factors and some medications can also provide the right environment for this disease develops. It is also believed extreme stress may also play a lead role in lupus, although there is no scientific evidence of this.
Finally, although there is no set diet and exercise program for patients with lupus should encourage exercise, like walking, swimming, cycling and other aerobic activities whenever possible. It is also considered that fats play an important role in controlling the disease and patients should consider a minimum of fat, low sodium, low sugar and high fiber diet similar to those recommended by the American Cancer Heart or agencies.
This brief review of the lupus only should serve as a general background of the disease and if you feel you may be affected in any way, please consult your doctor.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Lupus [http://lupus-guides.com]
I won’t let lupus ruin my life!!