Systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus refers to dangerous autoimmune diseases, the causes of which have not yet been clarified. With such a disease, the work of the immune system of the human body is disrupted, as a result of which antibodies attack their own tissues and the cellular structures of the body. This is how systemic lupus erythematosus develops.

Systemic lupus erythematosus and its causes. As already mentioned, it was not possible to finally determine the cause of such a disease. However, as a rule, lupus is a hereditary disease. Stimulate its development can various kinds of chronic or inflammatory diseases.

It is also interesting that such a disease, as a rule, occurs in adolescence, as well as in young women. In men, a similar disease is diagnosed almost ten times less often.

Systemic lupus erythematosus: symptoms . The signs of this autoimmune disease are very diverse. The disease affects the cardiovascular system, joints and skin, spreading throughout the body.

As a rule, the disease begins with general weakness, dizziness, fever, muscle weakness and joint pain. Yes, almost always lupus is accompanied by pronounced arthritis.

As for skin manifestations of the disease, they are represented by small reddening, and the affected areas of the skin swell. A very characteristic sign of the disease is the so-called "lupus butterfly" on the face of a sick person, which has red spots on the cheeks and wings of the nose.

In addition, the disease affects the metabolism, as in lupus person suffers from weight problems. There are signs of beriberi and anemia: the patient gets hair, the skin becomes excessively dry, and the legs are thin and brittle.

As the development of the disease affects the lungs, disrupts the work of the heart. The sick person constantly complains of pain in the chest and severe dyspnea. If the nervous system is affected , then a person may have hallucinations and convulsions, a disturbance of consciousness, delusions.

Most often, lupus affects the kidneys, causing acute kidney failure, which, as a rule, causes death.

Systemic lupus erythematosus: diagnosis . Only a doctor can diagnose such a disease. It is he who will appoint all the necessary tests. The most obvious sign is the presence of a "lupus butterfly" on the face. In addition, the condition of the joints is checked, since systemic lupus erythematosus is accompanied by a constantly progressing polyarthritis. Most often small joints are affected.

In addition, the patient is assigned a thorough examination of the whole organism, since lupus is affected by the damage to the membranes of internal organs.

The patient must also donate blood for analysis. Lupus significantly reduces the number of white blood cells, especially lymphocytes.

Systemic lupus erythematosus: treatment . In fact, the treatment of this disease is long. It must necessarily be complex. In most cases, patients are prescribed hormonal treatment with corticosteroids.

In addition, the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as immunosuppressants, which reduce the activity of the body's defense system.

With successful treatment, a variety of physiotherapy methods are also prescribed. Very useful is massage, special exercises. Positively affects the rest in the sanatorium.

A patient needs to follow a proper diet, which must contain vitamin D and calcium. If necessary, prescribe the intake of vitamins.

In acute and severe disease, stem cell implantation is used.