Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body. It is categorized as a chronic disease because it cannot be prevented by vaccines or cured by medications, nor do they just disappear.

Symptom

SLE usually often found in women than the man because they tend to have a greater number of relapses, a low white blood cell count, more arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon, and psychiatric symptoms. While males, tend to have more seizures, kidney disease, serositis (inflammation of tissues lining the lungs and heart), skin problems, and peripheral neuropathy.

The most common symptoms are fever, malaise, joint pains, muscle pains, and fatigue. Because these symptoms are so often seen in association with other diseases, these signs and symptoms are not part of the diagnostic criteria for SLE. When occurring in conjunction with other signs and symptoms they are considered suggestive.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is difficult because symptoms can vary from person to person, and they may change over time. For example, there may be periods where your symptoms are not very noticeable or times when they flare up and become more severe.

The diagnosis usually is done through blood test such as Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test to determine whether there is any inflammation or swelling in your body. Anti-nuclear antibody and anti-DNA antibody test to determine whether there is a certain type of antibody cell in your blood.

Causes

For many reasons, until today not a single person was able to give the exact answer regarding the causes of SLE. However, it is believed to involve genetics to environmental factors where hormones factors, sunlight, smoking, lack of vitamin D and infections are also believed to increase the risk.

Treatment

For SLE survivor the only things they could do to prevent the disease become worse is consuming different types of medications. These medications include hydroxychloroquine – a medicine that has historically been used to treat malaria and also help treat some symptoms of SLE. Another medication is corticosteroids which are an anti-inflammatory medications immunosuppressants – a group of medicines that suppress your immune system.

Aside from medication, the doctor will encourage the patient to think positively, have a good level of support from friends, family and healthcare professionals. Due to this, many people with SLE are able to manage their condition effectively.