How does lupus affect the body?
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Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a complex autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems and organs in the body. In lupus, the immune system becomes overactive and attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and a wide range of symptoms. The effects of lupus can vary widely from person to person, and the disease can be unpredictable. Here's how lupus can affect the body:
Joints and Muscles:
Lupus can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, similar to arthritis. It can affect both small and large joints, leading to discomfort and decreased mobility.
Skin:
Skin rashes are common in lupus. The most characteristic rash is a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. Other rashes, hives, and sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) may also occur.
Kidneys:
Lupus nephritis is a serious complication where inflammation affects the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney damage and reduced function.
Heart and Lungs:
Lupus can cause inflammation of the lining around the heart (pericarditis) and the lungs (pleuritis), leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other respiratory symptoms.
Blood and Blood Vessels:
Lupus can affect blood cells, leading to anemia, leukopenia (low white blood cell count), and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). It can also cause inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis).
Brain and Nervous System:
Some individuals with lupus experience neurological symptoms such as headaches, cognitive difficulties, mood changes, and even seizures.
Digestive System:
Lupus can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It can also affect the liver and pancreas.
Eyes:
Lupus may lead to dry eyes, eye inflammation (uveitis), and other eye-related problems.
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy can be more challenging for women with lupus due to increased risks of complications. Proper medical management and monitoring are crucial.
Joints and Muscles:
Lupus can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, similar to arthritis. It can affect both small and large joints, leading to discomfort and decreased mobility.
Skin:
Skin rashes are common in lupus. The most characteristic rash is a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. Other rashes, hives, and sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) may also occur.
Kidneys:
Lupus nephritis is a serious complication where inflammation affects the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney damage and reduced function.
Heart and Lungs:
Lupus can cause inflammation of the lining around the heart (pericarditis) and the lungs (pleuritis), leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other respiratory symptoms.
Blood and Blood Vessels:
Lupus can affect blood cells, leading to anemia, leukopenia (low white blood cell count), and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). It can also cause inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis).
Brain and Nervous System:
Some individuals with lupus experience neurological symptoms such as headaches, cognitive difficulties, mood changes, and even seizures.
Digestive System:
Lupus can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It can also affect the liver and pancreas.
Eyes:
Lupus may lead to dry eyes, eye inflammation (uveitis), and other eye-related problems.
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy can be more challenging for women with lupus due to increased risks of complications. Proper medical management and monitoring are crucial.
Lupus affects the body by causing chronic inflammation that can damage various organs including the kidneys, lungs, heart and brain. The immune system attacks healthy tissues and cells, leading to symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, fever and swelling. Severe cases of lupus can lead to life-threatening complications such as cardiovascular disease and organ failure.