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Lupus, also known as lupus erythematosus, is an autoimmune disease that causes defense cells to attack healthy cells in the body, which can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, especially joints, skin, eyes, kidneys, brain, heart and lungs.
Generally, lupus is more common in young women, between 14 and 45 years old, and its symptoms have a tendency to appear since birth. However, it is common for the disease to be identified only several years after the first symptoms, due to a crisis of more intense symptoms after an infection, use of some medication or even due to overexposure to the sun.
Although lupus has no cure, there are some treatments, recommended by the rheumatologist, that help to relieve symptoms and improve the person's quality of life.
Types of lupus
The most common type of lupus is systemic lupus erythematosus, however, there are 4 main types of lupus:
1. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
It causes inflammation in various parts and organs of the body, especially skin, joints, heart, kidneys and lungs, causing different symptoms according to the affected sites.
2. Discoid or cutaneous lupus
It causes the appearance of lesions only on the skin, not affecting other organs. However, some patients with discoid lupus may progress from disease to systemic lupus over time.
3.Drug-induced lupus
It is a type of lupus more common in men and happens due to a temporary inflammation caused by the prolonged use of certain medications, such as hydralazine, procainamide and isoniazid. Symptoms usually disappear within a few months of stopping the medication.
4. Neonatal lupus
It is one of the rarest types of lupus, but it can happen in babies born to women with lupus.
Main symptoms
Lupus can affect any organ or part of the body, so symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Still, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Fever above 37.5ºC;
- Red spots on the skin, especially on the face and other places exposed to the sun;
- Muscle pain and stiffness;
- Joint pain and swelling;
- Loss of hair;
- Sensitivity to light;
- Excessive tiredness.
These symptoms usually appear in seizures, that is, they appear intensely for a few days or weeks and then disappear again, but there are also cases where the symptoms are always constant.
Depending on the case, the symptoms of lupus may end up being similar to other more common problems, such as diabetes and arthritis, so it is possible that the diagnosis will take longer, as the doctor needs to eliminate other causes.
How to confirm the diagnosis
There is no test capable of diagnosing lupus, so it is common for the doctor to evaluate several factors, from the symptoms presented, to the individual and family health history.
In addition, some blood tests, urine tests and tests on some organs may also be ordered to detect other problems that may cause similar symptoms.
Possible causes of lupus
This is an autoimmune disease that is usually caused by genetic mutations that occur during the development of the fetus in the womb and is therefore not a contagious disease that can be transmitted.
However, it is possible to be born without any symptoms and only develop symptoms during adulthood, due to factors that can stimulate the appearance of these symptoms such as prolonged exposure to the sun, viral infections or the use of some medications.
In addition, some people are also more likely to show the first symptoms of lupus during stages of life when major hormonal changes occur, such as during puberty, pregnancy or menopause.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of lupus varies according to the symptoms manifested and, therefore, it is advisable to consult the specialist doctor according to the type of symptom and the affected organ.
However, the most used treatments are:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Naproxen or Ibuprofen: are used mainly when lupus causes symptoms such as pain, swelling or fever;
- Antimalarial remedies, such as chloroquine: help to prevent the development of lupus symptoms in some cases;
- Corticosteroid drugs, such as Prednisone or Betamethasone: reduce inflammation of Organs affected organs;
- Immunosuppressive remedies: such as Azathioprine or Methotrexate, to decrease the action of the immune system and relieve symptoms. However, this type of medication has serious side effects such as recurrent infections and an increased risk of cancer and, therefore, should only be used in the most severe cases.
In addition, it is still important to always take some precautions to relieve symptoms, such as applying sunscreen daily, making an anti-inflammatory diet and having healthy lifestyle habits. Check all treatment options to keep your symptoms under control.
How food can help
Watch the following video that we have prepared for you:
Suitable foods are anti-inflammatory foods, such as:
- Salmon, tuna, cod, herring, mackerel, sardines and trout as they are rich in omega 3
- Green tea, garlic, oats, onions, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, flaxseed, soy, tomatoes and grapes, as they are antioxidants
- Avocado, sour orange, lemon, tomato, onion, carrot, lettuce, cucumber, turnip, cabbage, sprouted, beet, lentil, as they are alkalizing foods.
In addition, it is also recommended that you invest in organic and whole foods and drink plenty of water every day. See a menu that helps control the symptoms of the disease.