I found some useful information off of Google, and like always, I thought I would share it.
Enjoy :)!
Fact # 1
Lupus is an autoimmune, rheumatic disease.
In Lupus, the immune system of the body attacks it's own cells and tissue. Specifically, the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, and many other organs of the body are also effected.
Fact # 2
There are (5) types of Lupus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) : effects the joints and organs
Discoid Lupus : Mainly effects the skin
Sub-Acute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus : characterized by a non-scarring skin lesion
Neonatal Lupus : effects newborns
Fact # 3
90% of Lupus patients are Women
Lupus affects roughly 10 times as many women as men. Most often, Lupus develops in people 18 to 45 years old. Although Lupus is more prevalent in women, both men and children can also be affected, at any age.
Fact # 4
There are (11) American College of Rheumatology criteria for Lupus
Butterfly shaped rash across bridge of nose and cheeks
Scaly, disk shaped rash
Sunlight sensitivity
Mouth sores, tongue sores, inside nose sores,
Arthritis pains in joints
Pain in chest and side when breathing or moving
Kidney problems
Neurological problems
Blood problems, such as anemia
Immune system malfunction
Antinuclear antibodies
It is recommended that if you suffer from (4) or more of these, you visit a Rheumatologist
Fact # 5
Lupus Diagnosis may be difficult
Lupus is considered an unpredictable disease, with no two cases, exactly the same. The unique pattern of the symptoms, associated with Lupus has caused some to say that Lupus is like a snowflake. No two are alike. There are several symptoms of Lupus which mimic other rheumatic diseases, making the diagnosis process difficult.
Fact # 6
Lupus treatments depend on symptoms and severity of symptoms
Conservative treatment with NSAIDs may be appropriate for Lupus patients with non life-threatening symptoms such as, joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, and skin rashes. More aggressive treatment which may include high-dose corticosteroids or immuno-suppressive drugs is used when there are severe organ complications.
Fact # 7
Up to 1.5 million people across the nation, may have Lupus
Though the Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans have lupus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer a more conservative estimate of 237,000. Approximately 70 percent of lupus cases are systemic. In 50 percent of those cases, it is a major organ which is affected.
Fact # 8
Certain races have an increased risk of developing Lupus
cording to the Lupus Foundation of America, lupus is two to three times more prevalent among people of color, including African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans.
Fact # 9
The majority of Lupus patients lead normal lives
With careful monitoring of lupus, and treatment adjustments as needed, most lupus patients lead normal lives. There may be some limitations and the disease may impose restrictions at times but with good disease management quality of life can be sustained. The worst adversary comes from within, when the patient loses hope, loses will, and gives in to frustration and depression.
Fact # 10
A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating arthritis and other rheumatic conditions, including lupus.
Your primary care doctor can refer you to a rheumatologist. Evaluation by a rheumatologist is important so that a patient can develop a treatment plan.
Do not use this in substitute for medical advice. If you believe that you, or someone you love suffers from Lupus, please contact your family physician.
This information was taken from: http://arthritis.about.com/od/lupus/a/lupus_facts.htm
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