Lupus is an autoimmune type of disease in which the body's defenses begin to attack its own cells. The pathological process is usually accompanied by inflammation and tissue damage. As a result, lupus provokes the appearance of other, often more serious ailments.
Lupus erythematosus: what is this disease?
Photos of many pathologies inspire fear. These include lupus. This is the popular name for the disease, which completely sounds like systemic red (erythematous) lupus. It relates to pathologies of the autoimmune system. They are characterized by a prolonged absence of symptoms, so timely diagnosis is often difficult. Some patients take years to get a final verdict.
Lupus is often confused with rheumatoid arthritis and other ailments of a similar nature. The main characteristic of this disease is inflammation that occurs simultaneously in several parts of the body. Representatives of the fair sex are more susceptible to the development of this pathology. As a rule, the disease is diagnosed in women aged 20-40 years, but men are no exception.
History reference
In 1828, the symptoms and signs of lupus were first described. After 45 years, dermatologist Kaposhi made another discovery. He noted that with this disease, symptoms appear not only on the skin, but also affect the work of internal organs.
Scientists continued to study patients with a diagnosis of lupus erythematosus. What kind of disease it became became known in 1890. Researchers have suggested an asymptomatic course of this ailment and confirmed it with specific examples. If pronounced changes on the skin are not observed, pathology can “eat” the internal organs, thereby affecting important systems.
In 1948, there was another important breakthrough in the study of the disease. Doctors began to more closely check blood tests of infected people. As a result, so-called LE cells, that is, elements of lupus erythematosus, were discovered. Such an analysis is actively used in medical practice today, which makes it possible to identify patients in the early stages.
In 1954, the most important discovery was made, which helped explain the causes of the development of autoimmune disorders. Foreign proteins that acted against healthy cells were detected in the blood of those infected. Antibody analysis has helped to develop hypersensitive tests that enable timely diagnosis of lupus disease.
Main reasons
It is not possible to name unambiguous reasons for the development of this disease. However, the prerequisites that contribute to the occurrence of pathology are known for sure.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease. It is accompanied by the release of specific proteins that act on the body's own cells and tissues. This variant of the immune response is called autoimmunization. This type of functioning of the protective system is due to certain anomalies at the genetic level. This means that lupus erythematosus has a hereditary predisposition. Also, this fact is confirmed by numerous family cases of the disease.
In the origin of the disease, a certain role is given to various infections. Their etiology is not of particular importance, since the main point is the "tension" of the immune system and the subsequent production of antibodies. With viral infections, destructive disorders are observed in the area of the pathogen introduction (for example, mucous membranes). As a result, an immune response is generated and the most favorable conditions for the formation of autoantibodies are created.
Among other factors provoking the disease, the following can be noted:
- prolonged exposure to the sun;
- abortion and childbirth;
- psycho-emotional overload, stress;
- hormonal imbalance;
- taking certain groups of drugs.
Together, these factors influence the development of a disease such as lupus. The causes described above determine the course of the disease and its manifestation in various forms.
Clinical picture
Symptoms of the disease in all patients manifest themselves in different ways. Many complain of fatigue. Sometimes there is a slight fever and weight loss. Such symptoms are often accompanied by the following conditions:
- Muscle and joint discomfort. Most patients experience joint and muscle pain, which intensifies in the morning. Sometimes lupus erythematosus is accompanied by minor swelling in the lesion. Very rarely, doctors diagnose arthritis or other disorders of joint mobility.
- Damage to the skin, hair, and mouth. Irritation in the cheek area is a typical symptom of the disease. A red rash may appear in places where UV rays often fall. The disease also affects the blood vessels, disrupting their work. In especially serious cases, patients have focal baldness.
- Blood and lymphatic system. Lupus is often accompanied by some form of anemia. Its atypical complication is the formation of blood clots and swelling of the lymph nodes.
- Heart, lungs and kidneys. Lupus is usually accompanied by inflammation of the surface tissues of the lungs and the main muscle of the body. The result is pain and discomfort in the chest. The inflammatory process in the kidneys is characterized by the appearance of protein and blood secretions, which come out with urine.
- Brain and central nervous system. In most cases, lupus erythematosus is accompanied by depression and a constantly haunting feeling of emotional discomfort.
The manifestation of the symptoms of this disease may vary. Some infected have only one of the signs listed above, while others have a whole set. Initially, lupus is attributed to other diseases, because almost all of them are accompanied by fatigue and general malaise. As a rule, in its course there are periods of exacerbations and remissions. The reasons for this alternation have not yet been identified.
Disease classification
In the generalized form of the disease, three types of course are distinguished. Next, consider each in more detail.
The sharp option is characterized by a sudden start. Often, patients can accurately name the time when lupus erythematosus began its development. What kind of disease they usually learn after visiting a doctor. Among the main symptoms, the appearance of rashes on the skin, the development of polyarthritis, and an increase in temperature can be noted. Multiple organ damage entails a sharp deterioration in the condition, which in some cases lasts up to two years. Timely treatment with drugs allows you to achieve a stable remission.
For the subacute wave-like course, a gradual development of the pathological process is characteristic. Initially, the joints and skin are involved. The remaining organs join each time a relapse occurs. Systemic lupus erythematosus develops very slowly, so it has a multi-syndromic clinical picture.
The chronic variant of the disease is manifested by one or more symptoms. Against the background of excellent health in patients, skin rashes and arthritis appear. The pathological process develops very slowly, gradually capturing more and more new organ systems.
Lupus in children and pregnant women
Unfortunately, lupus is also found among young patients. Photos of children that are presented in the materials of this article reflect the overall clinical picture. It practically does not differ from the symptoms in adult patients. Primary school children and adolescents are more susceptible to the disease.
Lupus, a photo of which in most cases inspire fear, is considered a female ailment. That is why its appearance during pregnancy is not uncommon. Conception of a baby can provoke the debut of an ailment or its exacerbation. On the other hand, a decrease in the activity of immunity sometimes leads to an improvement in a woman's condition, and the risk of complications decreases. Thanks to the advances in modern medicine, women in position are no longer offered artificial interruption. The future mother is surrounded by gynecologists and rheumatologists. These specialists jointly select the most effective patient management tactics. Such enhanced control allows 50% of women to safely reach the logical conclusion of pregnancy and become a mother. About a quarter of patients develop complications in the form of multiple bleeding and fetal death.
Medical examination of the patient
When symptoms of the disease appear, a doctor should be seen. The receptionist should tell you what are the most common signs of lupus erythematosus, what kind of disease it is. Photos of patients from medical directories are clear evidence of the severity of the disease.
A special role in the diagnosis belongs to a comprehensive examination. It includes immunological, clinical, laboratory and histological data. Initially, the doctor conducts a physical examination, thanks to which you can determine the nature of the rashes on the skin and changes in the mucous membranes. Pronounced external symptoms already at this stage allow you to suspect a disease of lupus erythematosus. A photo is enough to make a final diagnosis.
Immunological examination methods are used to clarify the systemic nature of the disease (study of healthy and affected areas, changes in blood composition). With the Wassermann reaction , a false-positive result can be observed. If lupus is suspected, an additional blood test is performed. Antinuclear antibodies and elements with double-stranded DNA are usually found in the biological material of patients.
Without fail, all patients are assigned an additional examination of the abdominal organs to assess the spread of the disease. It implies a general / biochemical blood test, radiography, ultrasound, ECG.
Is there an effective treatment?
Lupus is an incurable disease. On the other hand, if therapy is started in a timely manner, it is possible to achieve the greatest success and alleviate the symptoms. The treatment program is developed individually. Patients with mild lupus erythematosus often do not require special therapy.
Subacute and acute articular forms of the disease are treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Voltaren, Brufen). When the skin is involved in the pathological process, medications of the quinoline series are prescribed (Delagil, Chloroquine). However, such treatment is used in exceptional cases, because these drugs can give side effects in the form of dermatitis and dyspeptic disorders.
The main drugs in the fight against lupus are nevertheless glucocorticoids (Prednisolone). They are prescribed regardless of the form of the disease, the clinical picture and the activity of the pathological process. Young women and adolescents often refuse hormones for fear of gaining excess weight. Lupus is a fairly serious disease in which such a choice should not be made. Without the use of glucocorticoids, life expectancy is reduced, and its quality decreases markedly. If for a long time the use of hormones does not give positive dynamics, go to treatment with cytotoxic immunosuppressants.
In addition to taking medications, patients with this diagnosis need a special diet and symptomatic therapy (vitamins, antibacterial and antiulcer drugs).
How to live with lupus?
If you have discovered this disease, it does not mean at all that you can put an end to yourself. Many people are diagnosed with lupus erythematosus. Photos of such patients clearly demonstrate that it is simply necessary to fight the ailment. You will probably have to change your lifestyle a bit. Doctors recommend resting as necessary. It is better to lie down several times a day than to work for wear.
Examine the main symptoms that indicate the transition of the disease to the stage of exacerbation. Usually it is preceded by severe stress, prolonged exposure to the sun, a cold. If you avoid these triggering factors, life can become much easier.
Do not forget about regular physical exertion, but you should not overburden the body. As the main sport, you can choose Pilates or yoga. On the other hand, it is necessary to abandon all bad habits. Smoking and drinking alcohol do not add health. Such people often get sick, overload the heart and kidneys. Do not risk your own life because of the minute pleasure.
Accept your diagnosis, consult a doctor if necessary. The specialist should tell you how lupus develops, what kind of disease it is. Photos of patients living with such an ailment may motivate you to continue to actively fight it.
Particular attention must be paid to the diet. It is recommended to abandon all harmful products, because they negatively affect the functioning of the main systems of internal organs. Caffeine and its products are also banned. This substance makes the heart beat faster, does not rest, thereby overloading the central nervous system. The diet should consist of lean meat, large quantities of fish, as well as vegetables and fresh fruits. Do not forget about dairy products. They contain a sick amount of calcium and vitamin D, which helps prevent osteoporosis.
Prevention of ailment
Now you know what symptoms are accompanied by lupus, what kind of disease. Photos of the symptoms of this ailment are also presented in the materials of this article. Is it possible to prevent its development?
According to experts, qualitative methods for the prevention of this disease have not yet been developed. However, relapse can be prevented and patients in stable remission can be maintained. First of all, it is necessary to regularly undergo examination by a rheumatologist, take the prescribed drugs in the recommended dosage. If side effects occur, consult a doctor again. It is extremely important to observe the regime of work and rest, sleep at least eight hours a day. Following a balanced diet is another step towards preventing relapse.
When a lupus erythematosus is diagnosed, the doctor should explain the cause of the disease. The patient should remember that this pathology is “afraid” of surgical interventions, hypothermia and does not accept “chocolate tan”. Lupus patients should forget for a lifetime about rest in the southern latitudes.