Lupus is an autoimmune disorder. In an autoimmune disease the immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign materials and the cells of the body. As a result, the immune system makes antibodies against the tissues of its own body. This causes inflammation, pain and damage in various parts of the body including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain. Inflammation is the hallmark of lupus. Inflammation, which in Latin means to "set on fire," is characterized by pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function.

For most people lupus is a mild disease that affects only a few organs. For others it can be life-threatening. It is believed that more than 16,000 new cases per year are diagnosed in the US. Estimates are that between 1.5 and 2 million Americans have the disease, more than 90% of them women. Symptoms and diagnosis occur most often between the ages of 15 and 45.

There are four types of lupus—discoid, systemic, drug-induced, and neonatal. Discoid lupus is limited to the skin. It is identified by a rash on the face, neck or scalp. Discoid lupus usually does not involve the internal organs but in about 10% of cases it can evolve into the systemic form. The development of systemic lupus cannot be prevented or predicted. It is felt that these patients had the systemic form at the outset and that the rash was their primary symptom. Systemic lupus can affect almost any organ in the body. In general, no two cases of lupus are alike. Systemic lupus can include periods of remission in which few if any symptoms are present and periods when the disease becomes more active, known as a flare. Drug-induced lupus develops after the use of certain medications most notably hydralazine used to treat high blood pressure and procainamide used to treat irregular heart beat. About 4% of people who take these drugs develop lupus, which fades when medications are discontinued. Neonatal lupus is a rare disease that occurs when antibodies are passed from the mother to the fetus which can affect the skin, heart and blood of a newborn. It is identified by a rash that appears in the first few weeks after birth and may persist for six months. Heart and blood effects are rare. Neonatal lupus is not systemic lupus.

The cause of lupus is not known. Suspected environmental factors include infections, antibiotics (especially sulfa and penicillin), ultraviolet light, extreme stress, other medications, and hormones. It is felt that the role of hormones may explain why lupus is more common in women. Symptoms include achy joints, fever, arthritis, extreme fatigue, rash, anemia, kidney problems, pain on deep breathing, "butterfly" rash on cheeks and nose, sensitivity to sunlight, hair loss, clotting problems, Raynaud's disease, seizures, and mouth ulcers.

Prevention of flare includes avoiding excessive sun exposure, regular exercise, and avoiding stress, tobacco, and excessive alcohol consumption. A number of medications are used to treat lupus including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, corticosteroids, antimalarials, immunomodulators, and anticoagulants.

It is important for patients to recognize the warning signs of a flare so steps can be taken to ward it off or reduce the intensity. Maintaining health is very important for people with lupus which involves close attention to mind, body, and spirit. Stress management including exercise, relaxation, and time management are important. A strong support system is also important. Family, friends, medical personnel, and support groups can help sufferers maintain a positive attitude and self esteem.

Reference: http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_aboutintroduction.aspx?articleid=71&zoneid=9.

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