Lupus — also known as systemic lupus erythematosus — is a disease of the immune system. Normally, the immune system protects the body from infection. In lupus, however, the immune system inappropriately attacks tissues in various parts of the body. This abnormal activity leads to tissue damage and illness.
Who Gets Lupus?
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S. have lupus. People of African, Asian, and Native American descent are more likely to develop lupus than are Caucasians. Although it can occur in both men and women, 90% of people diagnosed with the disease are women. Women of childbearing age (14 to 45 years old) are most often affected and as many as 1 in 250 people may develop lupus.
What Are the Symptoms of Lupus?
The symptoms of lupus differ from one person to another. Some people have just a few symptoms, while others have many. In addition, there are many different symptoms of lupus because the disease can affect any part of the body. Some of the more common symptoms include:
- Achy joints (arthralgia)
- Unexplained fever (more than 100 F)
- Prolonged or extreme fatigue
- Skin rash
- Ankle swelling and fluid accumulation
- A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose
- Hair loss
- Sensitivity to the sun and/or other light
- Seizures
Living With Someone Who Has Lupus
If someone close to you has lupus, your life will likely be affected, as well. It is important to understand your loved one’s illness and what he or she may be expecting from you. The following are some tips for living with someone who has lupus:
- Learn about lupus and its treatment. Understanding the illness can help you know what to expect, and provide better support and understanding.
- Don’t push. Give your loved one enough space to deal with the illness and regain some control over his or her life.
- When possible, go with the person to the doctor. This is a good way to offer support and to listen to what the doctor says. Sometimes, a person feels overwhelmed and cannot take in everything the doctor says.
- Encourage the person to take care of himself or herself and to follow the doctor’s treatment plan, but do it gently. Be patient and don’t nag.
- Be open with the person. Talk about your own fears and concerns, and ask the person about his or her fears and needs.