Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Risk factors, Causes
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. It is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the connective tissues which provides strength and flexibility to structure throughout the body. SLE can involve many organs and systems including skin, joints, kidney, lungs and even central nervous system. It also affects the blood-forming system of the body. The most characteristic feature is flat red rash across the cheek and bridge of the nose also known as the butterfly rash because of its appearance. The number of females affected by lupus is nine times more than that of men.
Types of SLE
There are three main types of lupus:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus: It is the most common type of lupus. It affects many parts and systems of the body hence named as systemic lupus.
- Discoid lupus: In this condition, only the skin is affected. A red rash appears which lasts for few days to years which may or may not reappear. A few people suffering from discoid lupus tend to develop SLE later.
- Drug-induced lupus: This type of lupus is caused due to certain medicines. Once the medication is stopped symptoms cease.
Symptoms of SLE
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue
- Malaise
- Low-grade fever
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Joint paint, mostly symmetrical
- Flat red rash across the cheek and bridge of the nose. The rash doesn’t hurt or itch but is very prominent when exposed to sunlight.
- Calcium deposit under the skin.
- Vasculitis or inflammation of blood vessels.
- Alopecia, or hair fall
- Ulceration in the mouth, nose sometimes in genitals too.
- Nephritis or inflammation of the kidney
- Pericarditis or accumulation of fluid around the heart
- Abnormalities of the heart valve
- Headache
- Abdominal pain and nausea
- Raynaud phenomenon
- Swelling in legs
- Tingling of extremities
- Pleural effusion
Causes of SLE
The exact cause of the disease is still unknown, however, it is thought to cause due to the following reasons:
- Family history
- Environmental factors
- Hormonal
- Mostly affects African Americans and Asian
Risk factors of SLE
- Genetic
- Asian and African Americans
- Women are at higher risk than men
- Ages between 15-55 years.
Complications
- Lupus nephritis, abnormal deposits in kidney occurs in people who suffer from lupus, leading to a condition known as lupus nephritis. This condition can further lead to kidney failure.
- Blood clots in blood vessels
- Chronic Anaemia
- Pericarditis
- Myocarditis
- Pleural effusion
- Miscarriage
- Infertility
- Stroke
- Bowel damage to abdominal pain.
- The medicines and disease itself, harm fetus in the womb.
- Stroke
Lifestyle tips
- Smoking aggravates the symptoms.
- Avoid smoking as smoking increases the risk of cardiac complications associated with this disease.
- Avoid exposure in the sun, as the sun aggravates the lupus rash and may even trigger to flare symptoms of lupus. If you have to go out, apply sunscreen with SPF 50 at least.
- Eat healthy food, which is rich in protein, omega3, vitamin D, and all other vitamins and micronutrients. Avoid fatty foods, as it tends to develop hyperlipidemia.
- Be active
- Reduce stress
- Rest enough