Lupus Essay -- essays research papers fc

LupusDefinition of the Disease Lupus is a chronic inflammatory affection of unknown cause that can affect virtually any explode of the trunk. The medical term for Lupus is systemic Lupus Erythematosus or better known as SLE. With Lupus there is a malfunction in some of the cells of the immune system. "In Lupus, the body overreacts to an unknown stimulus and makes to many antibodies, or proteins directed against body tissue. Thus, Lupus is called an autoimmune unsoundness. Myth/ realism Statements Myth Lupus is contagious. Reality It is not contagious, it is not spread from person to person. Myth It is un greens in women to contact Lupus. Reality "Between the ages of 15 and 45, close to 90% of diagnosed patients atomic number 18 women ." Myth Caucasians atomic number 18 most apt to be diagnosed with Lupus. Reality In the United States, African Americans, Latinos, and Asians have a greater incidence of SLE than Caucasians ." Myth Lupus is a curable disease. Real ity Lupus is controllable not curable. Myth The most popular initial complaint is fevers, weight loss and fatigue. Reality The most common complaint is pain in joints or swelling followed by sputter rashes. OverviewWomen are the most common to suffer from Lupus. Although men and Children can purport Lupus, 80% of Lupus patients are women ." there are three times as many black women as white women affected by this disease. During the graduation ten years of life, girls will have Lupus three to seven to a greater extent times often than boys. Three are about 1,400,000 cases of Lupus diagnosed at the accede time, but there can be up to 2 meg unreported cases since the disease in extremely difficult to diagnose. "Only 10% of Lupus patients will have a close relative who already has or may take on Lupus. Only 5% of children born to individuals with Lupus will develop the illness ." The cause of Lupus is still unknown. Some doctors feel that there are some environmenta l and genetic factors involved. Some of the environmental factors include infections, antibodies, especially those in the Sulfa and Penicillin groups, ultra violet light, extreme stress and veritable drugs. There are an incredible number of symptoms that you can have with Lupus. There are general symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, low-grade fever, generalized achy and chills. These symptoms are most evident when the patient is i... ...ts with medications are not require at all. They should avoid the sun and take aspirin or another(prenominal) nonsteriodal antiflammatory drugs, for muscle and joint pain. Conclusion I feel that Lupus is a very peculiar disease. It shares many similarities with HIV in the fact that there is fivefold organ involvement and potentially life threatening episodes. I do not understand how Lupus is not always a fatal disease if it attacks the immune system. Without an immune system, other diseases can not be fought send off by the antibodies, which c an cause someone to become very ill. I feel as though there needs to be a lot more research done for Lupus. It is a disease of heights occurrence and the cause is still unknown. The cause needs to be piece so that a cure can be discovered so that patients and their families can find a relief from this disease. Bibliography1. Wallace, D. The Lupus Book. Oxford University Press New York, 19952. Aldejem, Henrietta. mind Lupus. Charles Scribers Sons New York, 1982. 3. Moore, Mary. Learning About Lupus. Mainline Desktop Pennsylvania, 19914. Ferrante, C. 1995. Caring for Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus. Nursing 25 66-7