Dr. Vikram Chauhan
December 14, 2019
Lupus is a chronic condition autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system becomes overactive and attacks the healthy tissues and organs of the body, recognizing them as foreign particles and producing antibodies against them. It is also known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Causes Of Lupus
The specific cause of Lupus or SLE is not known but some factors are responsible for this disease.
1. Genetic Factor
The disease is not associated to genes, but a person may have lupus if any family members have other autoimmune conditions.
2. Environmental factor
Some of the environmental factors that trigger the disease are physical and emotional stress like trauma, ultraviolet rays, viruses, and some medications.
3. Gender
Women are more likely to be affected by lupus than men.
4. Hormonal changes
During pregnancy, women have hormonal changes due to which they experience more symptoms of lupus and at the time of their menstruation which may be due to estrogen. So, hormonal changes during pregnancy are also one of the causes of lupus.
5. Some medicines
Medicines such as phenytoin, isoniazid, hydralazine, quinidine and procainamide are known to induce lupus. However, the symptoms of the condition decrease once the medicine inducing it is discontinued.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of lupus depend on which system of the body is affected by the disease. All patients with lupus have some skin changes.
1. Common Symptoms
1. Fatigue
2. Fever
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Feeling of restlessness
5. Hair loss
2. Classical Symptoms
1. A butterfly-shaped rash appears on the face covering the cheeks and bridge of the nose
2. Rash on other parts of the body (hands, neck or chest)
3. Neurological Symptoms
1. Headaches
2. Change in personality
3. Seizures
4. Psychosis
4. Symptoms Related to Kidney Problems
1. Legs swelling
2. Weight gain
3. Proteinuria
4. Hematuria
5. Hypertension
6. Increased serum urea or creatinine level
