Lupus is an autoimmune type of disease in which the body's defenses begin to attack its own cells. The pathological process is usually accompanied by inflammation and tissue damage. As a result, lupus provokes the appearance of other, often more serious ailments.
Lupus erythematosus: what is this disease?
Photos of many pathologies inspire fear. Lupus is one of them. This is the popular name for the disease, which fully sounds like systemic lupus erythematosus (erythematous) lupus. It refers to pathologies of the autoimmune system. They are characterized by a long absence of symptoms, so timely diagnosis is often difficult. It takes years for some patients to reach a final verdict.
Lupus is often confused with rheumatoid arthritis and other ailments of a similar nature. The main characteristic of this disease is inflammation that occurs simultaneously in several parts of the body. The fair sex is more susceptible to the development of this pathology. Usually,the disease is diagnosed in women aged 20-40 years, but men are no exception.
Historical background
In 1828, the symptoms and signs of lupus were first described. After 45 years, dermatologist Kaposhi made another discovery. He noticed that with this disease, the symptoms appear not only on the skin, but also affect the functioning of the internal organs.
Scientists continued to study patients diagnosed with lupus erythematosus. What kind of disease it was, it became known in 1890. The researchers suggested an asymptomatic course of this disease and confirmed it with specific examples. If there are no pronounced changes on the skin, the pathology can “eat up” the internal organs, thereby affecting important systems.
In 1948 there was another important breakthrough in the study of the disease. Doctors began to more carefully check the blood tests of the infected. As a result, the so-called LE cells, that is, elements of lupus erythematosus, were discovered. Such an analysis is actively used in medical practice today, which makes it possible to identify patients at an early stage.
In 1954, the most important discovery was made, which helped to explain the causes of the development of autoimmune disorders. Foreign proteins were found in the blood of the infected, which acted against he althy cells. Antibody testing has helped develop ultra-sensitive tests that allow timely diagnosis of lupus.
Main reasons
It is not possible to name unambiguous reasons for the development of this disease. Howeverthe prerequisites that contribute to the emergence of pathology are known for sure.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease. It is accompanied by the release of specific proteins that affect the body's own cells and tissues. This type of immune response is called autoimmunization. This type of functioning of the defense system is due to certain anomalies at the genetic level. This means that lupus erythematosus has a hereditary predisposition. This fact is also confirmed by numerous family cases of the disease.
In the origin of the disease, a certain role is assigned to various infections. Their etiology is not of particular importance, since the main point is the "tension" of immunity and the subsequent production of antibodies. In viral infections, destructive disturbances are observed in the area of introduction of the pathogen (for example, mucous membranes). As a result, an immune response is developed and the most favorable conditions are created for the formation of autoantibodies.
Among other factors provoking the disease are the following:
- extended sun exposure;
- abortions and childbirth;
- psycho-emotional overload, stress;
- hormonal imbalance;
- taking certain groups of drugs.
Together, these factors influence the development of a disease such as lupus. The reasons described above determine the course of the disease and its manifestation in various forms.
Clinical picture
SymptomsDiseases in all patients manifest themselves in different ways. Many complain of fatigue. Sometimes there is a slight increase in temperature and weight loss. These symptoms are often accompanied by the following conditions:
- Discomfort in muscles and joints. Most patients experience pain in the joints and muscles, which intensify in the morning. Sometimes lupus erythematosus is accompanied by slight swelling in the affected areas. It is extremely rare for doctors to diagnose arthritis or other joint mobility disorders.
- Skin, hair, mouth damage. Irritation in the cheek area is a typical symptom of the disease. A red rash may appear in places where ultraviolet rays often hit. The disease also affects the blood vessels, disrupting their work. In severe cases, patients experience patchy alopecia.
- Blood and lymphatic system. Lupus is often accompanied by some form of anemia. Its atypical complication is the formation of blood clots and swelling of the lymph nodes.
- Heart, lungs and kidneys. Lupus is usually accompanied by inflammation of the superficial tissues of the lungs and the main muscle of the body. The result is pain and discomfort in the chest. The inflammatory process in the kidneys is characterized by the appearance of protein and blood secretions that come out with urine.
- Brain and CNS. In most cases, lupus erythematosus is accompanied by depression and a constantly haunting sense of emotional discomfort.
Manifestation of symptoms of this disease may vary. Some infected people haveonly one sign from those listed above, others have a whole set. Initially, lupus is attributed to other diseases, because almost all of them are accompanied by fatigue and general malaise. As a rule, during its course there are periods of exacerbations and remissions. The reasons for this alternation have not yet been identified.
Disease classification
In the generalized form of the disease, there are three types of flow. Next, consider each in more detail.
The spicy variant is characterized by a sudden start. Often, patients can accurately name the time when lupus erythematosus began to develop. What kind of disease they usually find out after visiting a doctor. Among the main symptoms can be noted the appearance of rashes on the skin, the development of polyarthritis, fever. Multiple organ damage entails a sharp deterioration in the condition, which in some cases lasts up to two years. Timely treatment with medicines allows you to achieve a stable remission.
For a subacute undulating course, the gradual development of the pathological process is characteristic. It initially involves the joints and skin. The rest of the organs are attached each time a relapse occurs. Systemic lupus develops very slowly and therefore has a multisyndromic clinical picture.
The chronic variant of the disease is manifested by one or more symptoms. Against the background of excellent he alth, patients develop skin rashes and arthritis. The pathological process develops very slowly, graduallycapturing ever new organ systems.
Lupus in children and pregnant women
Unfortunately, lupus also occurs among young patients. Photos of children, which are presented in the materials of this article, reflect the general clinical picture. It practically does not differ from the symptoms in adult patients. Children of primary school age and adolescents are more susceptible to the disease.
Lupus, the photo of which in most cases inspires fear, is considered a female ailment. That is why its occurrence during pregnancy is not uncommon. The conception of a baby can provoke the onset of the disease or its exacerbation. On the other hand, a decrease in the activity of immunity sometimes leads to an improvement in the condition of a woman, and the risk of complications decreases. Thanks to the advances of modern medicine, pregnant women are no longer offered artificial interruptions. The future mother is surrounded by attention from gynecologists and rheumatologists. These specialists jointly select the most effective tactics for managing the patient. Such enhanced control allows 50% of women to safely reach the logical conclusion of pregnancy and become a mother. Approximately a quarter of patients develop complications in the form of multiple bleeding and fetal death.
Medical examination of a patient
When symptoms of an illness appear, you should see a doctor. The specialist at the reception should tell you what the signs of lupus erythematosus are most often accompanied by, what kind of disease it is. Photos of patients from medical reference books are illustrativeproof of the seriousness of the disease.
A special role in the diagnosis belongs to a comprehensive examination. It includes immunological, clinical, laboratory and histological data. Initially, the doctor conducts a physical examination, thanks to which it is possible to determine the nature of the rashes on the skin and changes in the mucous membranes. Pronounced external symptoms already at this stage make it possible to suspect the disease lupus erythematosus. A photo is enough to make a final diagnosis.
Immunological examination methods are used to clarify the systemic nature of the disease (examination of he althy and affected areas, changes in the composition of the blood). With the Wasserman reaction, a false positive result may be observed. If lupus is suspected, an additional blood test is done. Antinuclear antibodies and elements with double-stranded DNA are usually found in the biological material of patients.
It is mandatory for all patients to undergo an additional examination of the abdominal organs to assess the spread of the disease. It implies a general / biochemical blood test, x-ray, ultrasound, ECG.
Is there an effective treatment?
Lupus is an incurable disease. On the other hand, if the therapy is started in a timely manner, the greatest success can be achieved and the symptoms can be alleviated. The treatment program is developed on an individual basis. Patients with mild lupus often do not require special treatment.
Subacute and acute articular forms of the disease are treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Voltaren, Brufen). When the skin is involved in the pathological process, quinoline drugs are prescribed ("Delagil", "Chloroquine"). However, such treatment is used in exceptional cases, because these drugs can cause side effects in the form of dermatitis and dyspeptic disorders.
The main drugs in the fight against lupus are still glucocorticoids ("Prednisolone"). They are prescribed regardless of the form of the disease, the clinical picture and the activity of the pathological process. Young women and teenagers often refuse hormones for fear of gaining excess weight. Lupus is a pretty serious disease that shouldn't be such a choice. Without the use of glucocorticoids, life expectancy is reduced, and its quality drops markedly. If for a long time the use of hormones does not give positive dynamics, they switch to treatment with cytotoxic immunosuppressants.
In addition to taking medications, patients with this diagnosis need a special diet and symptomatic therapy (vitamins, antibacterial and antiulcer drugs).
How to live with lupus?
If you have been diagnosed with this disease, it does not mean at all that you can give up on yourself. Many people live with a diagnosis of lupus erythematosus. Photos of such patients clearly prove that it is simply necessary to fight the disease. You may need to change your habits a bit. Lifestyle. Doctors recommend rest as needed. It's better to lie down a few times a day than to work hard.
Study the main symptoms that indicate the transition of the disease to the stage of exacerbation. Usually it is preceded by severe stress, prolonged exposure to the sun, a cold. Avoiding these triggers can make life much easier.
Do not forget about regular physical activity, but you should not overwork the body. As the main sport, you can choose Pilates or yoga. On the other hand, it is necessary to give up all bad habits. Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages do not add he alth. Such people are more likely to get sick, overload the heart and kidneys. Don't risk your own life for a moment's pleasure.
Accept your diagnosis, consult your doctor if necessary. The specialist should tell how lupus develops, what kind of disease it is. Photos of patients living with such an ailment can motivate you to continue to actively fight it.
Special attention should be paid to the diet. It is recommended to abandon all harmful products, because they negatively affect the functioning of the main systems of internal organs. Caffeine and products containing caffeine are also banned. This substance makes the heart beat faster, does not allow rest, thereby overloading the central nervous system. The diet should consist of lean meat, fish in large quantities, as well as vegetables and fresh fruits. Do not forget about dairy products. They contain a sick amount of calcium and vitamin D, which allowsprevent osteoporosis.
Disease prevention
Now you know what symptoms lupus accompanies, what kind of disease it is. Photos of the symptoms of this disease are also presented in the materials of this article. Can it be prevented?
According to experts, high-quality methods of preventing this disease have not yet been developed. However, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of relapses and maintain the condition of patients in stable remission. First of all, it is necessary to regularly undergo examination by a rheumatologist, take the prescribed drugs in the recommended dosage. If side effects occur, you should re-consult a doctor. It is extremely important to observe the regime of work and rest, sleep at least eight hours a day. Eating a balanced diet is another step towards preventing relapses.
When a diagnosis of lupus erythematosus is made, the doctor must explain the causes of the disease. The patient should remember that this pathology is “afraid” of surgical interventions, hypothermia and does not accept “chocolate tan”. Lupus patients should forget about vacations in the southern latitudes for the rest of their lives.
