There are several kinds of Lupus. The most common type, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, affects many parts of the body. Discoid lupus causes a
rash that doesn't go away. Subacute cutaneous lupus causes sores after
being out in the sun. Drug-induces lupus occurs after you have taken certain presciption medication.
Neonatal lupus, which is rare, affects newborns.
Lupus is an auto-immune disease. This means, if
you have lupus, your immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues by mistake leading to chronic inflammation that can affect many different body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, blood vessels, heart, lungs and brain.
Anyone can get lupus, but women are most at risk. The cause of lupus is not known.
Symptoms
Lupus has many symptoms. Some common ones are
- Joint pain or swelling
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Fever with no known cause
- Red rashes, often on the face (also called the "butterfly rash")
Everyone affected by lupus experiences the disease differently. Symptoms may appear
suddenly or develop slowly, they can be mild or severe, and may be temporary
or permanent. Most people with lupus experience episodes, called
"flares", when symptoms worsen and then eventually improve or
even disappear completely for a time. There is no one test to diagnose lupus, and it may take months or
years to make the diagnosis. There is no cure for lupus, but lifestyle and nutritions changes can help control it.
Alternative medicine
As with many other autoimmune- and chronic inflammatory conditions pharmaceutical drugs may not always control symptoms, have serious adverse side-effects, and you may seek alternative treatments. Many health practitioners that have a holistic approach to practicing medicine, including physicians, naturopaths, herbalists and many other specialists, use nutritional approaches to support and restore balance to your body. There are many different nutritionals, including herbs, that have natural anti-inflammatory effects for our body and may help in controling symptoms of lupus.
Enzo Professional, often in combination with omega-3, has been used by naturopathic practitioners to help people with lupus.
It is always the best idea to discuss treatment and lifestyle approaches with your health practitioner to achieve the best results.
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Knowledge Links:
Lupus Trust of NZ
Lupus Association Australia
Lupus Foundation of America
NZ Rheumatology Association
Healthinsite on Lupus
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, USA
MedlinePlus:
Lupus
Mayo Clinc Lupus Info:
All about Lupus
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