5 Hidden Truths about Lupus Medical Condition You Must Know

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune illness that causes inflammation all over the body. It doesn't necessarily impact the entire body at the same time and is typically localized, affecting only one area. When you have Lupus, the immune system of your body attacks and destroys healthy cells. Many lupus sufferers have modest symptoms, but if treatment is not received, the condition can worsen considerably. Since there isn't a cure for lupus, the goal of treatment is to lessen inflammation and ease symptoms to give the patient relief from discomfort and pain. Keep reading to find out more about Lupus and the hidden truth of this medical condition! 

What is Lupus? 

Lupus is a type of autoimmune disease that causes your entire body to become inflamed. When you have lupus, your body gets harmed by your immune system, and the condition can get worse over time. Lupus symptoms are related to the area of damage, which means the symptoms vary depending on the body part that got affected by the disease. If you have any inexplicable inflammation or rashes on your body, it is best that you get medical attention for a diagnosis. 

There are typically four types of lupus - Systemic lupus erythematosus, Cutaneous lupus, Neonatal lupus, and Drug-induced lupus. Among these four, Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most prevalent kind of lupus and can impact your kidneys, skin, joints, heart, and other body parts. Cutaneous lupus, on the other hand, usually only affects your skin and might result in a rash or skin discoloration. 

Neonatal lupus is an uncommon form of lupus that affects newborns whose mothers have certain autoimmune disorders. Through the placenta, her autoimmune antibodies get passed to the fetus. The good thing is that sometimes neonatal lupus symptoms fade away after several months. Drug-induced lupus (DIL) can result from using specific pharmaceutical drugs and often disappears a few weeks after the medicine that caused it is stopped. 

The Hidden Truths about Lupus that You Should Be Aware Of

1. Specific Genes and Hormones can Impact the Condition 

Although there isn't much proof that certain genes can be the causes of lupus diseases directly, several genes do appear to increase your chance of developing the disease. People who belong to specific ethnic groups have a higher risk of developing lupus, potentially because of genetic similarities. Nevertheless, it appears that the condition cannot just be caused by genes, because when one of two identical twins is diagnosed with lupus, the other twin's chance of getting the illness is only around thirty percent higher than usual. 

Hormones also play a part as possible causes of lupus diseases. More women than men are afflicted with lupus, and it appears that lupus symptoms worsen before monthly periods and during pregnancy, when estrogen levels are high. However, the use of estrogen-containing drugs, such as hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills, does not appear to increase the risk of lupus.  

2. Your Diet Can Affect the Severity of the Disease  

Although there isn't a proven, targeted diet for patients suffering from the lupus medical condition, research shows there might be advantages to a few dietary adjustments. If you have lupus, you should eat a diet that is generally well-balanced. Omega-3 fatty acid-rich seafood, foods high in calcium, including dairy products with minimal fat content, and fruits and vegetables are all good for you.  

You can also be deficient in vitamin D if lupus causes you to be photosensitive, and anxiety, weariness, and muscular soreness are some of the common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. This problem can only be managed by taking a supplement and not through a diet.  

Remember that Lupus patients should not consume alcohol because several drugs and alcohol can interact. Inflammation may become more likely because of this drug interaction. You should also avoid Alfalfa sprouts and seeds as they contain the amino acid L-canavanine. L-canavanine is known to increase inflammation and may exacerbate lupus flare-ups. Reducing cholesterol and salt intake may also help avoid bloating and blood pressure spikes brought on by lupus treatment.  

3. Lupus is Linked to Depression 

Lupus medical condition can be hard to manage, and a sense of melancholy is often prevalent among the patients. Remember that it's crucial to recognize the difference between unpleasant emotions and mental illnesses such as depression. A study found that depression affects 25% of lupus patients, and for this reason, it's critical to identify the symptoms of depression so that you can get assistance.  

Here are the most common symptoms of depression:   

• Problem paying attention 
  
• Feelings of guilt 
  
• Poor self-esteem 
  
• Sobbing without any apparent cause  
  
• Sleeping too little or sleeping too much 
  
• Fluctuations in appetite 
  
• Losing interest in activities that you previously liked  
  

Seek assistance if you have any of these symptoms because depression is a serious condition that requires professional help.   

4. Alternative Treatments can Help Lupus Patients  

To reduce lupus symptoms, some patients turn to alternative therapies. Studies have shown that vitamin supplements have advantages, and antioxidants, together with vitamins C and D, may help relieve symptoms and improve your general health. Omega-3 fatty acids may be used as an alternative lupus treatment since early research on this fish oil has revealed encouraging results. 

DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, can have moderate side effects, including acne or hair growth, but it can also minimize lupus symptom flare-ups. Pain management techniques like meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy may also help with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression caused by lupus.  

However, some alternative treatments, such as herbal supplements, may possibly worsen your symptoms or interfere with prescribed medications. That is why you should always consult your physician before starting any alternative therapy. 

5. Lupus Flare-ups can be Prevented by Following Certain Techniques  

It is possible to prevent or lessen lupus flare-ups by following these techniques:  

• Keep moving: Moving might be difficult or unpleasant if you have joint discomfort from lupus, but it is the most effective strategy to reduce symptoms like pain and stiffness. 
  
• Don’t go out in the sun: For some patients, excessive sun exposure might aggravate their lupus symptoms. When the sun is at its strongest, try to avoid going outside, but if you must, use a hat, wear long sleeves, and apply sunscreen.  
  
• Get enough sleep: For some people, flare-ups can be avoided by getting the recommended amount of sleep, which is seven to nine hours for adults. 
  
• Exercise: Exercises like swimming, yoga, walking, and bicycling are excellent methods to move your body without overstressing your joints. 
  

Final Remarks 

Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disorder, is a difficult condition to manage. Diagnosis of this disease is also challenging since each person's symptoms differ greatly, and the symptoms can fluctuate over time. However, early lupus treatment is essential since the problems keep getting worse if left untreated. If you see continuous inflammation in your body, consult a doctor without delay. Your doctor will make a diagnosis using the results of a physical examination, your symptoms, and blood and urine testing.  

Contact Pathkind Labs to get Lupus tests done from the comfort of your home!