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About Lupus Lupus is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disease FAST FACTS in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This results in inflammation, which can affect var- ious parts of the body including the joints, skin, heart • As many as 300,000 people in the and blood vessels, kidneys, lungs and even the brain. United States have lupus. No one knows exactly what causes lupus. Scientists • Nine out of ten adults with lupus are believe that genetic, environmental and hormonal women diagnosed between the ages factors interact to cause the disease. There are several of 15 and 45. types of lupus, but systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form and accounts for 70 percent • African-American women are three of all lupus cases. times more likely than white women to have lupus.
Signs and Symptoms of Lupus Lupus affects everyone differently. Some people have immediately if you experience any of these symptoms, as relatively mild symptoms, while others may have more they could indicate lung or kidney problems. severe and life-threatening symptoms that appear suddenly. Common symptoms of lupus include: Diagnosing Lupus • Joint pain, swelling or stiffness. Diagnosing lupus can be difficult because symptoms • Rash in areas exposed to the sun. come and go and often mimic those of other diseases. • Fatigue. There is no single test to diagnose lupus, but lab tests, • Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity). a family medical history and a physical exam can help • Mouth sores. with a diagnosis. You may be referred to a rheumatolo- • Hair loss. gist, a doctor who treats diseases of the joints, muscles, • Headache. bones and some diseases of the immune system. Blood Some people may experience shortness of breath tests are used to check your liver and kidney function and/or severe chest pain; change in the color of urine; and to look for antinuclear antibodies and proteins that frothy urine; and/or leg swelling. Tell your doctor cause inflammation.
For More Information Lupus Information Arthritis Today Drug Guide Arthritis Foundation Help Line arthritis.org/lupus arthritis.org/drug-guide 1-844-571-HELP (toll-free) Arthritis Fact Sheet Lupus
Treating Lupus The goals of lupus treatment are to: SELF-MANAGEMENT IS KEY • Stop inflammation. • Relieve symptoms. Self-management means taking a • Prevent flares (periods when pain, rashes and fatigue proactive role in your care. These worsen). self-care activities include: • Prevent organ damage and long-term complications. • Improve physical function and overall well-being. • Protecting yourself from ultraviolet There is no known cure for lupus, but symptoms can be (UV) rays. managed with a combination of medications and lifestyle • Monitoring your symptoms and closely following changes. Medicines to treat lupus have two functions: to your medication regimen. provide pain relief and/or to slow or stop disease pro- gression. These include antimalarials, corticosteroids and • Eating healthy, anti-inflammatory foods. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Advanced cases may require immunosuppressive • Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity drugs to prevent organ damage. Once treatment each day. starts, regular doctor’s visits and lab tests are needed • Stopping smoking. to determine how well treatment is working and to monitor side effects. • Using relaxation techniques to manage stress. In addition to medication, a healthy, balanced diet • Balancing rest and activity (activity pacing). that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein may help. Exercise is also important. However, • Caring for emotional health. during times when disease activity is high, it’s important to rest to reduce inflammation and fatigue.
Does lupus affect my chances of lupus can come and go. The disease may be having children? Lupus is often diagnosed permanent. Some people with lupus have FAQ in women during their childbearing years so mild disease but may experience times when pregnancy may present special challenges for symptoms get worse for a while – called a flare women with lupus, but it is possible. However, – then improve or even disappear completely for certain lupus medications may interfere with a a time – called remission. healthy pregnancy. That is why doctors require patients to use birth control when taking those What can I do to protect myself from light medications. Talk to your rheumatologist about sensitivity caused by lupus? More than half family planning, and together you can develop of all people with lupus are photosensitive. You can a treatment plan. protect yourself by avoiding tropical sun exposure. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and Will my lupus ever go away? As with wear sun-protective clothing and hats to protect many autoimmune diseases, symptoms of yourself even when it is cloudy.
The information in this fact sheet was reviewed by David Pisetsky, MD, PhD,, Duke University, and Michele Petri, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University, 2018