Lupus and its impact
While most women are aware of the signs and health risks of breast cancer and heart disease, few are aware of a serious health problem that strikes mostly young women between the ages of 15 and 45.
The disease is lupus.
Lupus a chronic disease in which the immune system, for unknown reasons, becomes out of balance, causing inflammation and serious tissue damage to virtually any organ in the body, reports the Lupus Foundation of America.
Lupus is two to three times more common among African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans than among Caucasians.
Even though more than one million Americans have lupus, two-thirds of Americans report they are unaware of lupus or its potentially disabling and life-threatening consequences.
In fact, approximately 1.5 million Americans have a form of lupus, enough people to fill 30 baseball stadiums.
One in every 200 Americans has lupus and every half hour another person is diagnosed with the disease.
Thousands die each year from lupus complications.
Lupus can damage any organ system.
What is most troubling about the lack of awareness of lupus is that early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of lupus often can prevent serious consequences, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure, reports the Lupus Foundation of America.
Lupus is more than joint pain, fatigue, fevers, and skin rashes - common symptoms of the disease. Inflammation caused by lupus can damage the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain, resulting in significant disability or death:
- Women with lupus have a five- to 10-fold increased risk of coronary heart disease.
- Between 30 and 50 percent of people with lupus will develop nephritis, or kidney disease.
- People with lupus are at great risk for blood clots, stroke, and seizures.
October is International Lupus Awareness Month.
The Lupus Foundation of America seeks to increase public awareness of lupus symptoms and consequences, and is undertaking a national campaign to educate the public, health professionals and policy makers about lupus and its impact on individuals, families and society.
Common questions about lupus:
What is lupus?
Lupus is a devastating autoimmune disease that, for unknown reasons, causes the immune system to become hyperactive and attack the body's own tissue.
How many people have lupus?
One out of every 200 Americans has lupus. It affects more Americans than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia and AIDS combined. More than 16,000 Americans develop lupus each year.
Who gets lupus?
Most victims of lupus are women - 90 percent - and lupus disproportionately affects African Americans, Asians, Latinos and Native Americans. Lupus most often strikes during the childbearing years between 15 and 44. Although this is a highly discriminating disease, it must be remembered that lupus does affect both sexes at any age.
What causes lupus?
Although the cause or causes of lupus remain unknown, genetic, and environmental factors may play a role in its development. Researchers have not identified a specific gene or genes that causes lupus. Some of the environmental factors that may trigger the disease include ultraviolet rays and certain drugs and chemicals. Because women get lupus 10 times more often than men, some researchers also believe hormonal factors may play a role in the disease's development.
Is lupus contagious?
No, not even through sexual contact.
What are some of the symptoms of lupus?
Common lupus symptoms include: painful or swollen joints lasting for more than three months; unexplained fevers lasting several days; persistent extreme fatigue and weakness even after restful sleep; skin rashes, especially in the shape of a butterfly across the nose and cheeks; sensitivity to sunlight; pain in the chest on deep breathing; sores in the nose and mouth; hair loss; and seizures.
What should people who exhibit symptoms of lupus do?
They should talk with their family doctor immediately. Provide the doctor with a history of symptoms, even if the symptoms are not present at this time. The physician may order additional tests or refer the patient to a rheumatologist.
For more information about lupus, contact the Lupus Foundation of America at (202) 349-1155.
