WHAT IS LUPUS?   

Lupus is an auto immune disorder. It is a situation in which the body’s immune system proves harmful to the body itself. Various body cells, tissues, organ systems, skin and internal organs are affected by lupus. Hence chronic disease management of lupus is necessary for the protection of vital organs of patients suffering from lupus. Lupus can affect all people irrespective of age and gender. The disease is usually hereditary though it need not be in all circumstances. In lupus the antibodies of our immune system attacks the healthy cells of our body.

Effects of lupus disease on its patients:

1. Fatigue, pain which are difficult to diagnose causes mental depression for the patients.

2. Deposits of anti bodies on kidney can cause renal failure.

3. Lupus if affecting heart can cause even death of the patient.

4. Lupus on attacking brains can cause a seizure of activities and leads to paralysis.

5. Lupus can cause many adverse effects on skin like butterfly rash, rashes on cheeks, noses, fingers, palms etc.

6. Other effects of lupus are arthritis, difficulty and pain in deep breathing, swelling in glands, hair loss etc.

 

HOW CAN LUPUS BE DIAGONISED AND VARIOUS TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS?

Diagnosis of lupus is an indeed difficult task. Diagnosis of lupus in its early stages plays an important role in its chronic disease management as well. It may take months and years to diagnose this complicated disease by even expert doctors. The history of the patient if given to the doctor may help a great deal. This along with the symptoms can confirm lupus. Certain laboratory tests like Antinuclear Anti body (ANA) test can diagnose lupus. After diagnosis a complete test regarding the blood count, urinalysis and erythrocyte sedimentation rate may reveal many valuable information.

HOW LUPUS IS TREATED?

Treatment of lupus varies in accordance with site of attack, severity of attack. Following are the treatment methods in chronic disease management of lupus:

1. Proper rest for patients.

2. Following regular exercise schedules.

3. Physiotherapy for weak muscles.

4. Medications such as:

 

·         Anti inflammatory drugs like aspirin

·         Corticosteroid drugs.

·         Drugs like chloroquine phosphate or hydroxychloroquine are used to treat skin rashes, arthritis etc.

·         Lupus is caused due to body’s immune system itself, therefore use of immuno suppressive and cytotoxic drugs such as Immuran and cytoxan are useful.

 

This entry was posted on Friday, March 5th, 2010 at 12:18 pm and is filed under Lupus. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.