There is no known cause of why Lupus is present in some people. Some scientist and doctors believe that some are born with the disease and may also be caused by the environment along with genetics. There are several forms of Lupus and they include Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Drug-induced Erythematosus and Neonatal Lupus. The symptoms of Lupus can vary from person to person depending on the type of Lupus they have. Some of these symptoms include: Hair loss, fever, swollen and painful joints, headaches, anemia, extreme tiredness, sensitivity to the light or sun, rash shaped like a butterfly located on the cheek and nose and abnormal clotting of the blood.
More than 90 percent of people who have Lupus are women and become present around the age of 15 to 44 years of age. People who have a higher risk of Lupus tend to be African-Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans and Native Americans. Each day, researchers are closer to a breakthrough of trying to find a cure for Lupus and ways to help alleviate some of the symptoms. They are working on finding out how certain medications work together to help control some of the Lupus symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory medications help reduce the inflammation and pain that is associated with Lupus and are the most prescribed drugs given to the patients to treat Lupus. beginning treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be the only thing some people may need to keep their Lupus under control. Some of the anti-inflammatory medications taken are aspirin, acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Aspirin can be bought over the counter and is relatively cheap. Acetaminophen can be found in Tylenol and may not cause the stomach upset as aspirin. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can be found in ibuprofen, naproxen, Indocin and Celebrex.
Antimalarials is another option that people with Lupus may try. Antimalarials are combined with steroids as well as with other drugs. Plaquenil and Aralen are the two antimalarials that are the two most common antimalarials that are prescribed, but it may take a little longer for them to actually improve one’s lupus symptoms. There are side effects as with any other medications and these side effects for the antimalarials include: skin color change and an upset stomach, which are mild symptoms but also rare. Once a person with Lupus adjusts to the medication, the side effects usually disappear.
There are many things you can do to help you cope with Lupus. Get support from your family and friends. Learn more about Lupus so you can better educate yourself and any family and friends who may have questions about the disease. You can ask your doctor on your next visit for any resources and materials that will help you understand the condition more. Take time for yourself when you feel stress coming on. You can meditate and listen to music in those stressful times that you have. Talk with other people who may have Lupus for support and information on how they deal with their disease.
