World Lupus Day 2023: What is Lupus? Know Symptoms, Treatment of This Autoimmune Condition

Lupus is a serious health condition that affects the immune system. On this awareness day we tell you about the signs, symptoms and also the treatment of this chronic autoimmune disease.

World Lupus Day 2023: World Lupus Day is commemorated on May 10 each year to raise awareness about this chronic autoimmune disease. The day was created by Lupus Canada in 2004 to raise awareness of this lesser-known disease that can have serious effects on patients and their families. Lupus got its name from the Latin word for “wolf” when it was used in the 13th century to describe facial lesions that looked like wolf bites. Lupus is a serious health condition that affects the immune system. Usually, the immune system produces antibodies that protect the body from harsh invaders. Lupus occurs when the immune system attacks its own tissue, causing destruction of healthy tissue and causing pain and inflammation in all parts of the body.

lupus symptoms

Lupus has a wide range of symptoms. The common ones are:

1. Fatigue
2. Muscle and joint pain
3. Fever
4. Chest pain when taking a deep breath
5. Sensitivity to sunlight
6. ulcers in the mouth
7. Memory problems
8. Hair loss
9. Pale or purple fingers or toes (due to stress)
10. Arthritis
11. Headaches

However, these symptoms often come and go and can sometimes even be mild and unnoticeable.

Treatment

The exact cause of this autoimmune condition is unknown. However, possible factors include hormonal changes, family medical history, and environmental factors. There is no natural cure to treat this disease, but doctors recommend prescribed lifestyle modifications with medication. Some changes are eating a well-balanced diet, exercising, managing stress, reducing alcohol intake, and smoking.

Lupus generally affects the younger generation, as symptoms of the disease tend to develop between the ages of 15 and 44 and last for the rest of a person’s life. According to data given, 90% of people living with lupus are women. Although men can get lupus, it is less common.