What is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs). "Chronic" means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years.
In lupus, something goes wrong with the immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune systems produce proteins called "antibodies" which protect the body from these invaders.
In lupus, something goes wrong with the immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune systems produce proteins called "antibodies" which protect the body from these invaders.
"Autoimmunity" means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self"). As a result, it creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue.
These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.
In lupus, something goes wrong with the immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune systems produce proteins called "antibodies" which protect the body from these invaders.
In lupus, something goes wrong with the immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs ("foreign invaders," like the flu). Normally our immune systems produce proteins called "antibodies" which protect the body from these invaders.
"Autoimmunity" means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues ("auto" means "self"). As a result, it creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue.
These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.
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What causes Lupus?
Many (but not all) scientists believe that lupus develops in response to a combination of factors both inside and outside the body, including hormones, genetics, and environment.
HormonesHormones are the body’s messengers. They regulate many of the body’s functions. Because nine of every 10 occurrences of lupus are in females, researchers have looked at the relationship between estrogen and lupus.
Genetics
Researchers have now identified more than 50 genes which they associate with lupus. These genes are more commonly seen in people with lupus than in those without the disease, and while most of these genes have not been shown to directly cause lupus, they are believed to contribute to it.
Environment
Most researchers today think that an environmental agent, such as a virus or possibly a chemical, randomly encountered by a genetically susceptible individual, acts to trigger the disease. Researchers have not identified a specific environmental agent as yet but the hypothesis remains likely.
HormonesHormones are the body’s messengers. They regulate many of the body’s functions. Because nine of every 10 occurrences of lupus are in females, researchers have looked at the relationship between estrogen and lupus.
Genetics
Researchers have now identified more than 50 genes which they associate with lupus. These genes are more commonly seen in people with lupus than in those without the disease, and while most of these genes have not been shown to directly cause lupus, they are believed to contribute to it.
Environment
Most researchers today think that an environmental agent, such as a virus or possibly a chemical, randomly encountered by a genetically susceptible individual, acts to trigger the disease. Researchers have not identified a specific environmental agent as yet but the hypothesis remains likely.
What can be done to slow or prevent the development of Lupus?
Early diagnosis, as well as avoiding triggers for the disease, such as excessive exposure to the sun, can aid in the management of lupus. A rheumatologist -- a specialist in conditions of the muscles, joints, and bones -- can treat lupus with a number of medications that can effectively slow the progress of disease. However, therapy is often tailored to lessen the individual's particular symptoms.
Resources
http://www.lupusresearch.org
http://www.lupus.org
http://www.usinlupus.com
http://mypurplerose.org
http://www.howsefoundation.org
http://www.runningforlupus.com
http://wewinfoundation.org
https://www.hibbslupustrust.org
http://www.lfnc.org
http://www.lupusmn.org
http://crowninglupus.com
http://www.mollysfund.org
http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/disabling-conditions/lupus-and-social-security-disability
http://www.ethnocares.org
http://www.lupus.org
http://www.usinlupus.com
http://mypurplerose.org
http://www.howsefoundation.org
http://www.runningforlupus.com
http://wewinfoundation.org
https://www.hibbslupustrust.org
http://www.lfnc.org
http://www.lupusmn.org
http://crowninglupus.com
http://www.mollysfund.org
http://www.disability-benefits-help.org/disabling-conditions/lupus-and-social-security-disability
http://www.ethnocares.org
Source: Lupus.org
