Lupus — Ways of Experiencing Pain
Its full name is systemic lupus erythematosus. In short, it is a chronic disorder that causes the immune system to produce excess antibodies without an apparent reason. The point is that antibodies, when in high concentration, begin to attack the body itself, causing inflammation and lesions in various organs. The kidneys, lungs, skin and joints are the most affected areas, but the disease eventually reaches the brain and heart.
More common in young women, as in the case of Selena Gomez and Lady Gaga, the disorder may be mild in certain cases and, in others, disabling or even fatal. Its course is also unpredictable. Sometimes the individual goes years without any symptoms, and then suddenly suffers from pain and other complications. That is why it is so crucial to follow the treatment and guidance of the specialists. In addition, there are no known ways to prevent the onset of the disease. On the other hand, the earlier it is caught, the easier it is to slow down its progression and its symptoms.
The diagnosis is based mostly on the symptoms, especially if they appear in young women. Even so, the diversity of manifestations that lupus causes in the body makes it difficult to diagnose other possible disorders. In this context, blood tests that measure the production of antibodies are useful, but because changes in the tests also point to other conditions, they do not close the diagnosis alone. In the end, it is necessary to do a detailed investigation to find out if the patient has or does not have lupus.
One of the first attempts by professionals to control the disease is to use milder anti-inflammatory drugs. But in uncontrolled cases or during intense crises, corticosteroids enter the scene. They are more effective against inflammation due to lupus, but they cause significant side effects. Not to mention that the constant use of these drugs is associated with obesity and diabetes. The doctor may also prescribe drugs such as methotrexate, chloroquine and other immunosuppressants. The goal is to reduce the activity of the immune system and thereby the damage it causes to the body of the person. What's the downside? These medications facilitate the onset of opportunistic infections, among other things.
In advanced cases monoclonal antibodies, which block the action of a specific substance, enter the scene. For lupus, the target is called TNF-alpha. This substance incites inflammation by the body - blocking its action, therefore, softening the pain. Neuropsychiatric disorders are more rare manifestations in people with lupus. They can be the cause of seizures, one of the symptoms present in more severe cases. In addition, changes in mood, depression and anxiety may be present as aggravating factors. When the lesions caused by the disease affect the internal organs, problems such as arrhythmia - when the heart has anomalies in the rhythm of heartbeats - may arise. In addition, problems in the digestive system, such as vomiting, nausea and discomfort in the region of the abdomen can also be symptoms, although not so frequent.
Lupus is a chronic disease that can lead to serious complications, but fortunately there is treatment available for it. With the right care and preventive habits, it is possible to lead a normal and comfortable life.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/facts/detailed.html
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000435.htm
https://www.aafp.org/afp/1998/0601/p2753.html
https://www.lupus.org/resources/medications-used-to-treat-lupus
