Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to various parts of your body. Living with lupus can be challenging because it’s unpredictable and has several different symptoms.

Our rheumatology specialists will work closely with you and your primary provider to help you manage this condition.

What is lupus disease?

Lupus is a complex disease that causes your immune system to become overactive and attack healthy tissues in your body. Under normal circumstances, your immune system protects your body from infections and viruses, but with lupus, it mistakes your own cells for something harmful and attacks them, which causes widespread inflammation.

Lupus is labeled a systemic autoimmune disease, which means it can affect multiple systems and organs, including the kidneys, lungs and heart. It’s hard to diagnose lupus because autoimmune diseases share the same symptoms.

What causes lupus?

The exact cause of lupus isn't fully known, but a combination of genetic, environmental and hormonal factors is believed to be causes of the disease. In lupus, something triggers the immune system to attack your own tissues but identifying that trigger can be difficult.

Some potential triggers include:

• Genetics: A family history of lupus or other autoimmune diseases may increase your risk.
• Sex assigned at birth: Females are nine times more likely to develop lupus than males.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to sunlight, certain medications and infections can trigger lupus symptoms.
• Hormonal factors: Since lupus is more common in females, particularly those of childbearing years.

Is lupus hereditary?

Lupus isn't directly hereditary, meaning it's not passed down from parent to child like some genetic conditions. However, if you have a family member with lupus or another autoimmune disease, it may increase your risk of developing it. It's believed that while genetics plays a part in your risk of developing lupus, your environment and hormones are more direct causes of lupus.

Types of lupus

There are different types of lupus, but systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common and can be quite painful. SLE may lead to inflammation all over your body, which can make it hard to do day-to-day tasks.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus

This type of lupus is limited to the skin and often causes rashes, lesions and other skin issues. An early sign of cutaneous lupus is round, scaly patches on the skin that can lead to scarring.

Drug-induced lupus

Certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure or irregular heartbeats, can trigger lupus-like symptoms in some people. This form of lupus usually goes away once the triggering medication is discontinued.

Neonatal lupus

This rare form occurs in babies. It can cause skin rashes, liver problems and a temporary decrease in blood-cell counts. These symptoms usually resolve within the first few months of life.

Lupus can vary greatly in severity. You could have mild symptoms, or more severe and life-threatening symptoms. The disease typically goes through cycles of flare-ups, where your symptoms worsen, and periods of remission, where your symptoms improve or disappear entirely.

Lupus complications

Lupus can affect many different organs and systems in your body, leading to a range of complications:

• Kidneys: Lupus nephritis can lead to kidney failure if not treated properly.
• Heart and blood vessels: Lupus increases your risk of heart failure and cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
• Lungs: Inflammation and fluid around the lungs can make breathing difficult.
• Blood: Lupus can cause anemia (low red blood cells), an increased risk of blood clots or a condition called thrombocytopenia, where your blood doesn't clot properly.
• Nervous system: Lupus can lead to headaches, dizziness, memory problems and even seizures.

Lupus diagnosis

Diagnosing lupus can be challenging because its symptoms often mimic those of other conditions. Your doctor will use a combination of tests and exams to make a lupus diagnosis.

These tests may include:

• Blood tests: Tests such as the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test can indicate an autoimmune disorder, and other tests can check for specific antibodies associated with lupus.
• Urine tests: This test checks for protein or blood in your urine, which can indicate kidney problems related to lupus.
• Biopsies: A skin or kidney biopsy may be necessary.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, ultrasounds or echocardiograms may be used to check for damage or inflammation in your body.

Treatments for lupus

There is no cure for lupus, but there are treatments available that can help you manage symptoms, reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups. Treatment plans are tailored to meet your specific needs and may include:

• Medications: Lupus medication can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and immunosuppressive drugs to help slow down an overactive immune system.
• Antimalarial drugs: Medications like hydroxychloroquine, initially used to treat malaria, have been found effective in managing lupus symptoms.
• Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, eating a heart-healthy diet and avoiding sunlight can help manage lupus symptoms.
• Routine checkups: Regular checkups with your doctor can help them monitor the disease's progression and adjust treatment as needed.

Living with lupus can be challenging, but with the right treatment and support, many people with lupus lead full, active lives.