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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
What is systemic lupus erythematosus?
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks its own tissues, resulting in widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs. Systemic lupus erythematosus may affect the joints, brain, skin, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels. The disease ranges from mild to life-threatening. Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic condition where the symptoms tend to cycle in alternate periods of flares or flare-ups and remissions.
What are the symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms vary and can change over time. Symptoms may include:
- Joint pain
- Oral ulcers
- Joint swelling
- Severe fatigue
- Hair loss
- Anaemia
- Headaches
- Blood clotting problems
- A rash on the cheeks and nose called a butterfly rash
- Fingers that are turning white or blue
Other symptoms such as sun sensitivity, lung problems, heart problems, kidney problems, seizures and blood cell and immunological abnormalities may be experienced depending on the part of the body that the disease is attacking. Lupus symptoms are also symptoms of several other diseases, which then makes the diagnosis very tricky. If you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms, seek medical attention. Your doctor will then gather the information needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
What are the treatment options for systemic lupus erythematosus?
There is no cure for systemic lupus erythematosus, but the main goal of treatment is to ease symptoms. Systemic lupus erythematosus treatment varies depending on how severe the symptoms are and which part of the body is affected. The treatment may include:
- Steroid creams for the rashes.
- Antimalarial drugs for skin and joint problems.
- Anti-inflammatory medications for joint pain and stiffness.
- Corticosteroids to help minimise the immune response.
- Disease-modifying drugs or targeted immune system agents for more severe cases.
FAQ:
- A stroke
- Inflammation of the heart or pericarditis
- Blood clots and inflammation of the blood vessels or vasculitis
- Seizures
- Inflammation of the lung tissue and the lining of the lung, or pleuritis
- Kidney inflammation
- Decreased kidney function
- Kidney failure
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
"
The Soul is healed by being with children.
- FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY
"
What is a paediatric rheumatologist?
A paediatric rheumatologist is a doctor that cares for children and adolescents with medical conditions such as inflammatory and non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disease and autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune inflammatory diseases include juvenile dermatomyositis, juvenile Idiopathic arthritis, vasculitis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematous and periodic fever syndromes. Non-inflammatory diseases include chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes, juvenile hypermobility and growing pains.
