Lupus
Lupus is one of America's least recognized major diseases. More than 1.5 million Americans have lupus. In fact, more Americans have lupus than cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, sickle-cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, or AIDS, making it one of this country's most prevalent medical problems.
However, while lupus is widespread, awareness and accurate knowledge about it lag behind many other illnesses. Lupus is on the rise, and scientists don't know exactly why.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (S.L.E.), commonly called lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect virtually any organ of the body. In lupus, the body's immune system, which normally functions to protect against foreign invaders, becomes hyperactive, forming antibodies that attack normal tissues and organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and blood. Lupus is characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and periods of wellness, or remission.
Because its symptoms come and go and mimic those of other diseases, lupus is difficult to diagnose. There is no single laboratory test that can definitively prove that a person has the complex illness.
For most people, lupus can be managed and will affect only a few organs. Others may face serious, sometimes life-threatening problems.
Ninety percent of lupus victims are women, and the onset of the disease usually occurs between the ages of 15 and 44. Lupus is also a leading cause of kidney disease, stroke, and premature cardiovascular disease in women of childbearing age. Unfortunately, statistics predict that 5 percent of children born to Lupus-diagnosed mothers will eventually develop the disease themselves. So far, there are no causes and no cures.
Common Lupus Symptoms
- Achy joints (arthralgia)
- Fever over 100 degrees F
- Swollen and painful joints (arthritis)
- Prolonged fatigue
- Skin rashes
- Anemia
- Swollen ankles (kidney involvement)
- Chest pain upon deep breathing (pleurisy)
- Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose sensitivity to sun (photosensitivity)
- Unusual hair loss
- Abnormal blood clotting problems
- Pale or purple fingers from cold or stress (Raynaud's Phenomenon)
- Seizures
- Mouth ulcers (often painless, at roof of mouth)
For more information visit:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
For tips on serving customers with Lupus visit www.chemeketa.edu/wso/servinglupus.html.
Updated September, 2009 by Cassy Polen, Disability Program Navigator.