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The focus of Lupus Awareness Month is to increase awareness and educate others on its impact among all populations, but particularly those who are at a higher risk for developing the life-altering disease.
Lupus can develop in both men and women. However, women, ages 15 – 44, in certain racial-ethnic groups (African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, etc.), and people who have family members with lupus or another autoimmune disease are at a higher
risk.
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, every 9 out of 10 people with Lupus are women. New advanced research has also revealed that black females not only have an increased risk of lupus-related renal (kidney) disease and progressive complications compared to white females,
black females are also developing Lupus at a younger age (significantly higher rates in the 30-39 age group).
What is Lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system, the body system that usually fights infections, attacks healthy tissue instead. The disease most commonly affects your skin, joints, and internal organs, such as your kidneys and heart.
Types of Lupus
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – the most common form of Lupus
- Cutaneous Lupus – a form of Lupus that is limited to the skin
- Drug-Induced Lupus – a lupus-like disease caused by certain prescription drugs
- Neonatal Lupus – a rare condition that affects infants of women who have Lupus
The Most Common Symptoms
Lupus can cause many different symptoms, but the most common symptoms include:
- Extreme Fatigue (feeling tired all of the time)
- Pain and Swelling in the joints
- Swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes
- Headaches
- Low fevers
- Sensitivity to sunlight or fluorescent light
- Chest pain when breathing deeply
Many people with Lupus also have problems that affect their skin and hair, such as: - A butterfly-shaped rash on the cheek or nose
- Hair Loss
- Sores in the mouth or nose
- Fingers or toes turning white or blue and feeling numb when a person is color stressed
(Reynaud’s Disease)
Diagnosis, Testing, Treatment
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, “Making a lupus diagnosis is kind of like putting together a puzzle. Your doctor will look at several different puzzle pieces: your symptoms, medical history, family history, and lab tests. If enough of the pieces fit together, you may be diagnosed with lupus.” (2020)
Furthermore, there is not a specific test available that can provide a Lupus diagnosis. The most
common tests include:
- Blood tests – help doctors look at how your immune system is working, measure your
blood counts, and check for signs of inflammation. - Urine tests – can help doctors see if there are problems with your kidneys.
- Biopsies – Doctors may remove a small piece of tissue (what your organs are made of)
from different parts of your body, like your skin. Then they can check that tissue to see if
there are any signs of inflammation and damage.
Currently, there is no cure for Lupus. Ongoing treatment plans and medication are used to manage the disease and improve the quality of life. Lupus symptoms are often confused with many other diseases including arthritis and diabetes, so it is important to talk to your doctor.
Moreover, do not be afraid to ask your doctor about Early Screening! Spread the Word.
References
Lupus Foundation of America. (2020). Understanding Lupus.
https://www.lupus.org/understanding-lupus
Lupus Foundation of America. (2018, October 24). Black Women Develop Lupus at Younger Age
with More Life-Threatening Complications. https://www.lupus.org/news/black-women-develop-
lupus-at-younger-age-with-more-lifethreatening-complications
