Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Signs and symptoms of lupus may come suddenly or occur slowly and they can be mild or severe, and even they can be temporary or permanent. Most of the lupus patients have mild disease characterized by episodes. The signs and symptoms worsen for a while and then they get improved or even completely disappear for a time.

The signs and symptoms of lupus which you experience depend on the body systems which are affected by the disorder. The common signs and symptoms of lupus are as follows:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Butterfly-shaped rash on the face which covers the cheeks and the bridge of the nose
• Joint pain, swelling and stiffness
• Skin lesions which appear or gets worsen with sun exposure
• rashes on the body
• Chest pain
• Dry eyes
• Fingers and toes which turn white or blue on getting exposed to cold or for the period of stress
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches, memory loss and confusion

Lupus develops when the immune system of your body attacks healthy tissues of your body. It is susceptible that the lupus results due to the combination of your environment and your genetics. People with an inherited predisposition of lupus can develop it after coming in contact with something in the environment that stimulates the lupus. The cause of lupus is not known in most cases but the major stimulants are as follows:

• Sunlight: Exposure to the sun can cause the lupus skin lesions or it can stimulate an internal response in vulnerable people.
• Infections: infections can initiate lupus or can cause deterioration in some people.
• Medications: Lupus can develop due to some types of blood pressure medicines, anti-seizure medicines and antibiotics. People who have drug-induced lupus generally become better after they stop taking the medicine. In rare cases, symptoms persist even after the stoppage of drug.

Risk factors for lupus include:

• Gender: Women are more likely to develop lupus then men.
• Age: Lupus can develop in a person of any age but it is generally diagnosed in the people between the ages of 15 and 45 years.
• Race: Lupus is more common in African-Americans, Asian-Americans and Hispanics.

Diagnose of lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms differ from person to person. Signs and symptoms of lupus differ over time and are similar with many other disorders.

The diagnosis of lupus includes the combination of blood and urine tests, physical examination and signs and symptoms.

Blood Tests

• Complete blood count: In this test the number of red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells are measured along with the amount of hemoglobin and protein in red blood cells. The results can reveal that you have anemia, which occurs commonly in lupus. A low platelet count or white blood cell count occurs in lupus as well.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: In this blood test the rate of red blood cells settling to the bottom of a tube in an hour is determined. A faster rate can indicate lupus. The sedimentation rate may be increased in case of lupus, an infection, other inflammatory diseases or cancer.
• Kidney and liver assessment: Blood tests can determine the functioning of kidneys and liver. Lupus may affect these organs.
• Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test: A positive test for the presence of antinuclear antibodies formed by your immune system reveals a stimulated immune system. Maximum of the lupus patients have positive ANA test. On the other side most of the people who have a positive ANA do not have lupus. If you are tested positive with ANA then your doctor may recommend you more-specific antibody testing.

Urine Test

• Urinalysis: An examination of urine sample can detect increased red blood cells or protein level in the urine that can occur if your kidneys are affected by the lupus.

Imaging Tests

If your doctor thinks that your lungs or heart is affecting with lupus then he or she may recommend you the following tests:

• Chest X-ray: An image of chest can show the abnormal shadows which reveal the fluid or inflammation in the lungs.
• Echocardiogram: In this test sound waves are used to produce real-time images of beating heart. It may check for issues with valves and other portions of heart.

Biopsy

Lupus can harm kidneys in different ways and its treatments vary depending on the form of damage which occurs. In certain cases, test of a small sample of kidney tissue is necessary to determine the best treatment. The sample can be extracted with a needle or by making a small incision. Skin biopsy is performed sometimes to affirm lupus affecting the skin.

Treatment of lupus depends on the signs and symptoms. With the flare and subside of signs and symptoms your doctor will find need to change dosage and medications. The medicines most commonly used to control the lupus are as follows:

Medicines

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Over-the-counter NSAIDs, as naproxen sodium and ibuprofen can be used to treat swelling, pain and fever linked with lupus. Stronger NSAIDs are accessible after prescription. NSAIDs can cause side effects as kidney problems, stomach bleeding and an increased risk of heart problems.
• Anti-malarial drugs: Medicines commonly used for the treatment of malaria as hydroxychloroquine affect the immune system and they decrease the risk of lupus flares. Some of the side effects of medicine are stomach upset and damage to the retina of the eye.
• Corticosteroids: Prednisone and other corticosteroids can prevent the inflammation of lupus. High doses of steroids as Methylprednisolone can be used to control serious diseases of kidneys and brain. Side effects of these medicines include weight gain, osteoporosis, easy bruising, high blood pressure, increased risk of infection and diabetes.
• Immunosuppressants: Drugs which suppress the immune system can be helpful in severe cases of lupus. For example azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil and methotrexate. Their major side effects can be an increased risk of infection, decreased fertility, liver damage and an elevated risk of cancer.
• Biologics: They are administered intravenously to reduce lupus symptoms in some cases. Its side effects include diarrhea, nausea and infections.
• Rituximab: It can be beneficial in people with resistant lupus. Its side effects are infections and allergic reaction to the intravenous infusion.

Alternative Treatments

• Homeopathic medicines: Sepia, Apis, Arsenic, Belladonna and Hydrocotyle are the best Homeopathic medicines for Lupus.
• Ayurvedic medicines: Ashwagandha Avaleh, Giloy Satva, Ashwagandha Churna, Shukta Pishti, Vishmushtki Vati, Prawal Pishti, Manasmitra Gutika, Mahavataraj Rasa, Punarnava mandoor and Brodley Syrup are useful Ayurvedic formulation for the treatment of lupus.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture could be beneficial in the treatment of lupus for temporary basis.

Dietary Supplement for Lupus

Dietary supplements are the products that include enzymes, amino acids, minerals, herbs, vitamins, and many other products which are important for the maintenance of health. They are available to you as pills, capsules, powders, energy bars and drinks.

• GLME (Green Lipped Mussel Extract): GLME is the best dietary supplement for lupus. It is extracted from the green lipped mussel which is a shell fish which is grown in the farms of New Zealand.

GLME (Green lipped mussel extract) has a great role in the treatment and management of lupus as:

• It prevents the joint deterioration which is damaged in the condition of lupus.
• It acts as Gastroprotective and thus protects the stomach lining from the severe reactions of other medicines used in the treatment of lupus.
• It reduces swelling and inflammation.

Seatone has unique nutritional value thus it is the best preparation of GLME. Some of the other reasons that show the Seatone is the best GLME product are as follows:

• It is obtained from the top quality fresh mussels at their peak condition.
• A number of tests are conducted before sending this product to market.

Seatone is better than all the other treatments for lupus because:

• Seatone do not show side effects as the other medicines for lupus treatment show.
• It acts as gastro protective and protects the stomach lining from the harsh reactions of NSAIDs.
• Medicines used for lupus treatment show fast relief which is temporary. On the other side the Seatone provides slow but progressive relief from the symptoms of lupus.

Some of the changes in lifestyle can help you to manage with lupus as follows:

• Visits your doctor regularly: Regular checkups can prevent the worsening of disease and flare-ups. It can also be helpful in addressing routine health concerns as diet, stress and exercise.
• Be sun smart: Wear protective clothing as hat, long pant and long sleeved shirt because ultraviolet light can stimulate a flare. Use sunscreens every time you go outside.
• Get regular exercise: Exercise can be helpful to keep your bones strong, decrease the risk of heart attack and encourage general well-being.
• Don′t smoke: Smoking increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and can worsen the effects of lupus on your heart and blood vessels.
• Eat healthy food: A healthy diet includes vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Talk to doctor in case you require calcium and vitamin D supplements.

You cannot fully prevent lupus from occurring as lupus can strike anytime devoid of warning. But you can lower the chances of developing lupus by maintaining a healthy body by focusing on nutrition, physical and dietary practices. By following the below mentioned things you can prevent lupus to some extend:

• Eat a Healthy Diet: By eating the right food you can prevent inflammation, which is a main symptom of lupus. Healthy diet can also encourage proper-functioning of organs.
• Exercise: Regular exercise also helps you to build stamina, manage weight and improve mood.
• Take Supplements: Taking some of the recommended supplements can help you to lower inflammation.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: Drinking alcohol and smoking can worsen your condition of lupus.

The outlook for the patients of lupus is improving every decade with the advancement in monitoring tests and treatments. The role of immune system in causing diseases is now understood by the researchers. Thus safer and more effective treatment is designed by them.

Patients of lupus are at elevated risk of developing cancer. Women who are patient of lupus are at increased risk of heart diseases. Patients of lupus can improve their prognosis by getting knowledge about many aspects of the disease as well as by monitoring their own health along with doctors.