| Courtesy Lupus Mid-Atlantic
What is it? Lupus is a chronic, inflammatory disease in which the body's immune system fails to serve its normal protective functions and instead forms antibodies that attack healthy tissues and organs. You can think of it as your body being allergic to itself. Lupus is 10 times more prevalent in adult women than adult men and is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian-Americans. Lupus is a difficult disease to diagnose. There is not a single set of symptoms specific to lupus. Also, there are no laboratory tests that can prove conclusively that a person has lupus. Almost every symptom of lupus can also be easily attributed to other illnesses or disorders. In addition, the symptoms are sometimes vague or they may com and go unpredictably. Examples of lupus symptoms include joint pain, extreme fatigue, fever, butterfly rash, ulcers in mouth and sun sensitivity. What causes it? The cause of lupus is unknown. While scientists believe there is a genetic predisposition to the disease, certain factors also play a critical role in triggering lupus. In a person who is predisposed to lupus, the following factors may contribute to disease onset: infections, antibiotics (especially those in the sulfa group), pregnancy, ultraviolet light and extreme stress. | 
How does it affect my job? Many people with lupus continue to carry out their professional career while effectively managing their lupus. Depending on the type of job, accommodations may be required to accommodate extreme fatigue and joint pain. Can it be prevented or treated? While there is no cure for lupus, early diagnosis and proper medical treatment can significantly control the disease. Effective treatment can minimize symptoms, reduce inflammation, and maintain normal bodily functions. Treatment is centered on medications, rest, exercise, avoidance of excessive sun exposure, reduction of stress, and prevention of infection. The outlook for lupus patients has significantly improved over the last two decades. With continued and expanded research, there is great promise toward discovering a cause and cure. There are a number of medications commonly prescribed for the treatment of lupus. Aspirin is prescribed as a painkiller and an anti-inflammatory drug. It is usually recommended for muscle and joint pain, and arthritis. Another group of drugs commonly prescribed is Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS). These drugs act in the same way as aspirin. However, they tend to be less irritating to the stomach and require fewer pills. Drugs used for the treatment of malaria, such as Plaquenil, benefit many people with lupus and are now prescribed for skin and joint symptoms. These drugs are unique in that they often take months before demonstrating a beneficial effect. Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory drugs. The most commonly prescribed is Prednisone. This medication reduces inflammation and treats the kidneys, lungs, nervous system, and blood. For patients with more serious manifestations of lupus, Immunosuppressives are prescribed. These drugs act in a similar manner to corticosteroids, in that they suppress inflammation and the immune system. Their use is often associated with side effects, including anemia, low white blood cell count, and increased risk of infection. |
