What is Lupus?

February 15, 2019 2 min read

Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Autoimmunity means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues. As a result, it creates auto antibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. The cause of Lupus is unknown, and anyone can get Lupus, but women are most at risk.

Symptoms:

  1. Pain or swelling in joints
  2. Swollen glands
  3. Sensitivity to the sun
  4. Muscle Pain
  5. Fever with no cause
  6. Red rashes, most often on the face
  7. Chest Pain
  8. Hair Loss
  9. Mouth Ulcers
  10. Feeling tired
  11. Memory Loss

4 types of Lupus:

  1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus- the most common type
  2. Cutaneous Lupus- This type is generally limited to your skin
  3. DILE- Long-term use of certain prescription medications can lead to
  4. Neonatal Lupus- This is extremely rare and affects infants whose mothers have Lupus
There is no single test to definitively diagnose lupus, and it could take months or even years to be sure. Typically, your doctor will conduct a complete medical history and physical exam, including blood tests. The doctor may also perform skin and kidney biopsies (extracting tissue samples that are then examined under a microscope) to make a diagnosis.

A treatment plan may aim to:

  1. Prevent or treat flares
  2. Prevent or reduce organ and joint damage
  3. Reduce swelling and pain
  4. Help the immune system
  5. Balance hormones
  6. Eat a healthy diet
  7. Don’t smoke
  8. Be sun smart
  9. Get regular exercise
Some alternative treatments for Lupus may be Acupuncture or Fish oil. Benefab’s Therapeutic Bed Set would also help for another holistic remedy to help people with Lupus that may have stiff and sore joints. Blanket and Pillow Case fabric is made up of ceramic Nano-particles. The fabric emits far-infrared rays keeping muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments supple and relaxed. It can be used by itself, or underneath a fitted sheet for best results.


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