This article is dedicated to my shero.
My little, big sister. Who continues to beat all odds every day, while looking better than many.
ICYMI: Today (May 10th is World Lupus Day) . A day where worldwide attention is paid to this autoimmune disease to inform people about it, but also to provide extra support to those who have to live with it.
What is Lupus you ask?
Here’s how it’s described on lupusuk.org.uk
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system is dysfunctional and mistakenly identifies the body’s own tissues as foreign invaders. In people with lupus, the immune system creates autoantibodies to attack the body’s tissues. These form immune complexes which cause inflammation and damage – possibly affecting the organs and/or the joints in some lupus patients.
The two most common symptoms of lupus are joint/muscle aches and pains and extreme fatigue – almost 90% of lupus patients report experiencing fatigue which can often cause substantial impairments in quality of life and work disability. Other symptoms include: rashes, anaemia, light-sensitivity, headaches/migraines, hair loss, oral/nasal ulcers, brain fog, depression and anxiety.
As someone who has witnessed the impact it can have on a person, I would like to take a minute to inform whoever I can reach with this article. So, allow me to share 7 facts about Lupus.
- Race is a risk factor
People of color – especially black people – are at greater risk for lupus than white people, and the disease tends to affect populations in different ways. According to a US study of 42,000 lupus cases, Native American and black patients have higher death rates than white patients, while Hispanic and Asian patients have a lower risk of lupus. There appears to be a genetic component to the disease, but researchers are not yet sure. - Women are at greater risk
Most studies show that about 90 percent of lupus patients are women, according to a review in Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. The study also found that men suffer more damage earlier in the disease and have lower chances of survival. Hormones may play a role in gender differences, but here too no official conclusion has been drawn. - The symptoms of lupus are vague
So earlier I mentioned the symptoms? Sadly enough, they’re like a mixed bag. Different for everyone. Which is why it’s often mistaken for other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and Lyme disease. The two common symptoms are joint-pain and rash. Interesting mention: the most common symptom, is the butterfly-shaped rash across the face.
4. Lupus can be diagnosed at any age
As a matter of fact, some babies are born with it. But it is mostly diagnosed between the age of 15 and 44. Turns out, that about 10 to 20 percent experience their first symptoms before they even hit 18, according to a study. But adults can still get hit with what they call ‘late-onset’ lupus, even after cruising past the big 50.
5. A diagnosis is based on multiple symptoms and tests
Because the symptoms are so vague, Lupus is often not diagnosed after one test. It’s more like a puzzle with symptoms, X-rays, blood tests, and biopsies. As there’s no one thing that screams ‘lupus!’ Not to mention the cardiologist, rheumatogolist all have to work together.
5. Systematic Lupus (SLE) is the most common form of Lupus
When people talk about lupus, they’re usually talking about the big player: systemic lupus erythematosus, aka SLE or just systemic lupus. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, about 70% of lupus cases fall under this category. SLE usually affects the major organs. Experiencing inflammation to the kidneys, lungs, and indirectly affecting the heart more often than other types of lupus. Which bring us to point 6.
6. Indirectly, Lupus can lead to cardiovascular problems.
Lupus doesn’t directly affect the heart, but the inflammation the disease causes can speed up the formation of blood clots. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people who have had Lupus for more than five years, according to a study in Current Cardiology Reviews.
7. Individuals with lupus are more sensitive to UV light.
About 40-70% of people with the condition deal with photosensitivity. Meaning UV rays, could trigger a flare-up of symptoms. Which can lead to a painful rash, fever and fatigue. Sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher is required.
8. There is no cure for Lupus
Yup. You read that right. As the disease still remains a mystery to doctors and scientists they have yet to find a cure. Luckily available medications can suppress the immune system, holding back the antibodies that would otherwise be triggering inflammation.
It’s clear that this condition is complex and far-reaching, impacting individuals in a multitude of ways. From its tricky symptoms to its disproportionate effects on certain demographics, lupus presents challenges both in diagnosis and management. Yet, amidst these challenges, there’s a resilience within the community affected by lupus, a determination to raise awareness and support one another. While there’s currently no cure, advancements in medication offer hope for better management and improved quality of life.
If you wanna put your two cents in on research and education on Lupus, there are multiple organizations to donate to. Such as the NVLE, Lupus Foundation of America or Lupus UK.
Let’s continue to educate, advocate, and support the Lupus Warriors on their journey.
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