Lupus is an autoimmune rheumatic disease that is quite complicated in nature. When the immune system of the body starts attacking its own cells and tissues, the disease is then termed as Lupus. The joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system and some other organs of the body are especially affected. 90% of the people affected by Lupus are women between the ages of 18 to 45. Although women are much more susceptible to getting Lupus, men and children may also get affected by it. The criteria that differentiates Lupus from other connective tissue diseases are a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and the nose, sensitivity to sunlight, scaly disk-shaped rash on the face, neck, ears, scalp and chest, mouth, tongue and nose sores, arthritis pain in the joints, pain in the chest and sides, kidney problems, neurologic problems, anemia, immune system malfunction and antinuclear antibodies. Having just four symptoms out the eleven listed means that it is time to schedule a visit to see the rheumatologist.

Moreover, Lupus is an unpredictable and complicated disease, with no two cases being exactly alike. Lupus has been termed a snowflake as it has a unique pattern in every person that it occurs in. As Lupus exhibits some symptoms that are also common to other rheumatic diseases, it makes the diagnosis all the more difficult. Treating a patient for Lupus depends solely on the severity of the symptoms that are exhibited. Patients with non-life threatening symptoms such as muscle pain, fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes can be given a conservative treatment of NSAIDs (medicines like Ibuprofen) and Plaquenil. Patients with more aggressive symptoms which include severe organ complications may be given a high dose of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs. The risks and benefits of the treatment must be discussed at length with the doctor by the patient so that they can come to a conclusion as to what will work best. It is estimated by research that up to 1.5 million people may have Lupus in the country alone. Lupus has been found to be more prevalent among people of color which includes African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. Most Lupus patients lead normal lives. They need to make sure that the disease is carefully monitored and the treatments are adjusted as required. Although there may be some restrictions and limitations, quality of life can be definitely sustained with good disease management. Like with all diseases the worst adversary of a person suffering from Lupus comes from within. When the patient loses hope and the will to continue then it results in depression and frustration. When a patient is diagnosed with Lupus, the primary care doctor can refer the patient to consult with a rheumatologist. It is very important to get an evaluation by a rheumatologist so that a treatment plan can be settled upon for the patient. In case your insurance permits it, you can also get a self-referral.