There are various immune diseases, like; lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and many others.
These diseases vary greatly in symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and treatment.
However, they’re all caused by an overactivity of the immune system.
Lupus erythematosus is a well-known autoimmune disease that occurs due to; a malfunction in a person’s immune system.
That is to say; The body produces antibodies that attack healthy tissue.
Read along so you can learn more about lupus erythematosus and its methods of diagnosis and treatment.
What is lupus erythematosus?
To learn about lupus erythematosus, first, we must learn a few things about the immune system.
Immune system cells are made of white blood cells, for example;
- Lymphocytes, such as T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells.
- Neutrophils.
- Monocytes or macrophages.
Lymphocytes are formed in the bone marrow, where they recognize self-antigens (autoantigens) by antigen-presenting cells (dendritic cells).
Hence, no autoantibodies are produced by; the immunes system that can damage healthy tissues.
However, sometimes an error occurs, and the lymphocytes produce antibodies that attack the body’s cells.
This error may occur as a result of a malfunction in the mechanism of removing dead cells.
Dead lymphocytes are usually removed by; macrophages through the process of apoptosis.
But sometimes, macrophages are not removed and are taken by antigen-presenting cells.
Hence, this leads to the formation of autoantibodies against the self-proteins.
In lupus erythematosus, however, the immune system produces antibodies against self-proteins in the cell’s nucleus.
Autoantibodies cause widespread inflammation and tissue damage in affected organs.
It can also affect joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels.
Types of lupus erythematosus
Lupus erythematosus includes several types, for example;
Systemic lupus erythematosus
The most common and most dangerous type of lupus erythematosus; The immune system attacks more than one organ in the body.
Cutaneous lupus:
The immune system attacks the skin in the form of rashes or bumps.
The rash may be concentrated in the parts exposed to the sun only or extend to include more skin.
It may also resemble the shape of a butterfly on the face.
Drug-induced lupus
This disease is similar to systemic lupus erythematosus in symptoms and severity, but it occurs as a result of; an overreaction to some medications.
Neonatal lupus
This type occurs when antibodies from the diseased mother are transmitted; through the blood to the newborn.
Symptoms disappear in most cases after six months.
Causes of lupus erythematosus
There are no specific causes for this disease, as it occurs as a result of; a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.
Factors that increase the chances of acquiring the disease
- Exposure to sunlight: triggers a rash or internal reactions.
- Exposure to microbial infection: triggers flaring of symptoms.
- Taking some medications: such as; antiepileptics, antihypertensives, and antibiotics, but the symptoms of the disease usually stop as soon as the medicine is; discontinued.
- Gender: Women are more likely to contract the disease than men.
- Age: the chance of contracting the disease increases between the ages of 15 to 45.
Symptoms of lupus erythematosus
Lupus erythematosus is a chronic disease that accompanies a person for the rest of his life.
Symptoms sometimes intensify in a violent manner called flares and then improve or disappear entirely for some time.
This disease is challenging to diagnose due to the similarity of its symptoms with other conditions.
Moreover, symptoms vary from person to person according to the affected area.
The most prominent symptoms include;
- Muscle and joint pain.
- Fever.
- Chest and lung problems.
- Hair loss.
- Sensitivity to sun or light.
- Mouth ulcers.
- Extreme or prolonged fatigue.
- Anemia.
- Kidney problems.
- Frequent forgetfulness or confusion.
- Eye diseases.
Is lupus erythematosus fatal?
It is possible to control and live with this chronic disease.
But if the diagnosis is delayed, access to the required medical care is difficult, or the treatment regimen is not adhered to, complications may develop and lead to death.
Dangerous complications can occur in several organs, for example;
- Kidneys: Kidney failure is the most common cause of death.
- Lungs: Inflammation in the lining of the lungs occurs, which makes breathing painful and increases the chance of bleeding or pneumonia.
- Blood and blood vessels: The disease causes a deficiency of normal blood cells, which causes anemia or increases the chance of stroke and vasculitis.
- Heart: Inflammation of the heart muscle, arteries, or the heart membrane can happen. Hence, considerably increasing the chances of a heart attack.
- The brain and central nervous system: Headaches, dizziness, forgetfulness, and lack of concentration may happen. It may also cause behavior problems, possibly even convulsions or stroke.
After we mentioned the most important symptoms and complications of the disease, you are probably wondering; What about pregnancy and lupus erythematosus?
Lupus erythematosus and pregnancy
Most women with lupus erythematosus can become pregnant and deliver a baby safely; however, this is considered extremely risky.
This type of pregnancy requires a period of careful planning before it.
For example, the doctor must ensure that the mother’s condition is stable for a minimum of six months.
If pregnancy occurs when the disease is active, it may result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe health problems for mother and baby.
The mother will also need to find an obstetrician who manages high-risk pregnancies and can work closely with her regular gynecologist.
How does lupus erythematosus affect pregnancy?
Women with lupus erythematosus have more complications than women that don’t.
Possible complications include;
- The disease increases the chance of flare-ups in the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Flares are often mild, but sometimes they need prompt medical intervention or may cause premature birth.
- The disease also increases the chance of preeclampsia, a dangerous condition that needs immediate treatment. Signs of preeclampsia include; Sudden weight gain, swelling of the hands and face, blurred vision, dizziness, or stomach pain.
- Medicines used to treat the disease, especially corticosteroids, can increase pregnancy problems, for example, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney problems.
Good nutrition and regular doctor visits can help control and avoid these problems.
Diagnosing lupus erythematosus
Diagnosing this disease is difficult because its symptoms are similar to many other conditions, as the doctor relies on a set of tests for the correct diagnosis.
Tests include;
- Comprehensive medical examination.
- Taking proper medical history.
- Blood and urine tests.
- Taking a biopsy of the skin or kidney.
Lupus erythematosus treatment
There is no ultimate cure for this disease, but treatments can help control and reduce symptoms.
Treatment aims to reduce the patient’s suffering by preventing flare-ups and treating symptoms.
It also helps control damage to vital organs, such as the kidneys, heart, and lungs.
Some of the medications used in the treatment of lupus erythematosus include;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, help reduce mild pain and swelling in joints and muscles.
- Corticosteroids (Prednisone) reduce swelling and pain.
- Antimalarials because they also treat joint pain, skin rashes, and pneumonia.
- Inhibitors specific to the B-lymphocyte Stimulator (BLyS Protein Inhibitor); reduce abnormal B cells.
- Immunosuppressive drugs and chemotherapy.
In conclusion, lupus erythematosus is a dangerous disease.
But by following the appropriate treatment regimen and avoiding some factors that increase its severity, it can be adequately controlled and tolerated.
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