Lupus can be Mild, Lupus can be disabling, and Lupus can be Fatal.
SLE-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: hard to say – harder to live with.
What is Lupus?
So few have heard of it, yet worldwide it’s seen as more common than Leukemia, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. Some 50,000 people are believed to suffer with the disease just in the UK of whom 90% are female. Men and young children can also be affected by Lupus. It is estimated that 1 in 750 women in Europe suffer with the condition; however Lupus is more prevalent in other races. The incidence in white women is 1 in 1000 compared with that of 1 in 250 in black women and even higher in Asian populations.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) causes the body’s immune system to go into overdrive and start to attack itself. The Symptoms are many and varied, and the illness often seems to mimic other diseases. This gives rise to difficulty in diagnosis and the condition can be overlooked, sometimes for years unless your GP or consultant is alert to the possibility of Lupus. Achieving an earlier diagnosis of Lupus allows a better opportunity for control of the disease.
LUPUS IS NEITHER INFECTIOUS NOR CONTAGIOUS, but it can be triggered:
• At puberty
• After childbirth
• Through sunlight
• After prolonged courses of medication
• During menopause
• After a viral infection
• As a result of trauma
The symptoms may include
• Extreme fatigue
• Eye problems
• Mouth ulcers
• Miscarriage
• Possible involvement of the kidneys, heart, lungs and brain.
• Joint / muscle pain
• Depression
• Facial or other rashes
• Anemia
There is no definitive cure for Lupus so far. People diagnosed with Lupus remain under medical care with continuing medication. Many symptoms have less impact as a result, but side effects can often occur. Lupus can adversely influence the lives of patients, their families, colleagues and friends.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Lupus
Due to the various and often unspecified symptoms, it may take time to attain a definite diagnosis. The diagnosis can be confirmed by careful clinical investigation and by blood tests (eg. Anti-nuclear anti bodies). The prognosis for Lupus patients has changed dramatically during the past few decades and it can often be treated effectively. The Type and dosage of the medication depends upon the disease activity and organ involvement. Some patients with mild disease or those in remission may not even require any therapy. Recent revelations that Lady Gaga may have been diagnosed with a form of Lupus may also begin to educate people about this complicated disease
On July 10th, the Lupus Support Group will get together at 2pm to discuss and support one another at the Al Biraa Arthritis & Bone Centre, the brand new facility in Dubai dedicated to raising awareness of arthritis, under the patronage of the Emirates Arthritis Foundation.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Lupus or if you would simply like to attend this event in order to gain more information and knowledge about this disease, please contact us immediately. All enquiries will be handled under the strictest of confidentiality.
www.arthritis.ae Al Biraa Arthritis a& Bone Centre – Tel: 04 3487035
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