Taking A Look At The Types Of Lupus
So far, scientists aren’t absolutely sure what causes lupus but they think it may have something to do with a STAT4 gene deficiency, which also plays a role in rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers at the Feinstein Institute in New York found that approximately 22% of the US population inherits the troublesome form of STAT4, which the body may see as foreign matter, thus attacking it. They say that patients with lupus are twice as likely to have this STAT4 variant. They also found that the gene was prevalent in Korea, which could explain why Asians are more susceptible to systemic lupus erythematosus. Women are also more at-risk for developing this painful autoimmune disease. However, if carefully monitored, most patients can live a normal life span.
There are five types of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus, which affects the joints and organs; discoid lupus, which affects the skin; sub-acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, which is characterized by skin lesions; drug-induced lupus that develops after a drug reaction; and neonatal lupus that affects newborns. Lupus signs include: fatigue, fever, weight loss/gain, joint pain/stiffness/swelling, butterfly rashes on the cheeks, skin lesions that worsen with sunlight, mouth sores, fingers and toes that turn white or blue in the cold, shortness of breath, chest pain, dry eyes, easy bruising, anxiety, depression and/or memory loss. The Lupus Foundation says there are no two cases of lupus that are exactly alike. Signs may emerge gradually or come on suddenly, and can be mild or severe. Most people have “flare-ups” or episodes. To test for lupus, your doctor will ask you some questions, run a standard physical, take urine and blood samples and perform an electrocardiogram.
Neonatal Lupus erythematosus (NLE) is a rare disorder that occurs when autoantibodies pass from mother to baby. Only 1% of infants with positive maternal autoantibodies develop NLE. Most babies with lupus do not require treatment, but the mortality rate is roughly 20% (due to heart failure). Infants with NLE may have heart, skin or blood abnormalities. Researchers cannot prove a definitive hereditary link between systemic lupus erythematosus and they say that mothers who have SLE are no more likely to pass on the disease to children than patients who are well.
If you’re diagnosed with lupus, then it’s important that you get 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Remember that even small amounts of sunlight can hurt your skin, so wear protective clothing, such as long shirts and pants, use SPF 15+ sunscreen, avoid tanning beds and use plastic devices that block UV emissions from indoor lights. Getting regular exercise is also important in recovering from flare-ups, reducing heart attack risks and fighting depression. If you’re a smoker, then doctors recommend that you quit because the risk of cardiovascular disease increases with the added vascular stress caused by nicotine. Lastly, eat a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. To keep your mood elevated, the Lupus Foundation offers educational programs, counseling, group exercising classes and community events like “Walk For Lupus” to help raise money and awareness. Becoming an advocate is a great way to regain a sense of control.
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