Identification and Treatment of Lupus

Lupus is a complicated disease that does not have a clear set of symptoms that people can see. You may feel something is wrong, but without any definite diagnosis the disease is usually discovered very late, making the treatment of lupus so much more difficult. Lupus tends to affect women between the ages of 15 and 44. One of the most common symptoms that appear is a red rash or color change on the face, often in the shape of a butterfly across the nose and cheeks. In some cases, if the treatment of lupus isn't carried out, the rash could spread to the whole body. During the treatment of lupus other common symptoms found include painful or swollen joints, unexplained fever, chest pain, swollen glands, unusual hair loss and extreme fatigue. However individual symptoms can disappear over time only to reappear later, while others are constant.

Lupus is a non-contagious autoimmune disease in which the immune system of the body, designed to fight germs and viruses, starts to attack healthy tissues. Lupus can also affect many parts of the body and everybody reacts differently. Treatment of lupus is made much more difficult by the fact that this range of symptoms overlap with so many other diseases. One person may have kidney trouble while another may be tired all the time or have a fever or swollen knees. In the treatment of lupus, you should be aware that lupus can affect two or three parts of your body.

The most common form of lupus is Lupus-Erythematosus.html" class="disease" target=_blank>systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in which many parts of the body are affected, including the brain, heart, kidneys and lungs. The symptoms can be serious or mild. Another form of lupus, discoid lupus erythematosus, mainly affects the skin. A red rash may appear on the face, scalp, or elsewhere. The treatment of lupus of both forms is different. Drug-induced lupus, as the name implies is triggered by medication. The symptoms are similar to, but milder than, SLE.

Lupus during pregnancy should be taken seriously as miscarriage and premature birth is common, making the treatment of lupus more important. Women with antiphospholipid antibodies tend to run a high risk of miscarriage between the third and sixth months as there is a greater risk of blood clots in the placenta. They also run a greater risk of hypertension or preeclampsia, where excess fluid gets stored in the body. Ideally, the treatment of lupus must be done before a woman gets conceives to best avoid these risks.

Influenza vaccinations are recommended as part of the treatment of lupus as they are very susceptible to infections. Doctors might also prescribe stronger sun-screens, a good exercise regimen and regular rest to reduce stress.

Treatment of lupus can involve supplementing your medication with minerals and vitamins. Folic acid, vitamin D, and calcium all help strengthen bones and protect the skin affected by lupus.

The Medical University of South Carolina has collaborated with the American College of Rheumatology - Research and Education Foundation, to study the effects caused by Vitamin D therapy with the treatment of lupus in SLE patients. The Lupus Foundation of America is involved with a lot of research into the causes, prevention, symptoms and treatment of lupus.