Probing Lupus

Lupus Causes:

• The reasons behind the occurrence of lupus and other autoimmune diseases are still unknown, though many consider lupus as the outcome of stimulus that is equally genetic and environmentally related.
• As lupus has been cited in families, doctors infer that it is likely that one can be genetically predisposed to getting lupus. Though, there are no perceivable genes that are directly linked to the ailment. It is possible that being genetically predisposed for lupus makes the ailment more probable only subsequent to having exposure to a certain environmental triggering agent.
• The higher regularity of lupus cases amongst females than males might signify that the disease could be set off due to particular hormones. Certain doctors suppose that hormones like estrogen control the development of the disease as the symptoms have a tendency to escalate prior to the monthly menstrual cycle and at times during the course of pregnancy.
• Particular environmental aspects have been cited to lead to occurrence of symptoms that include intense stress, UV exposure normally from the sun, smoking, certain medicines and antibiotics particularly those in the sulfa and penicillin sets. Certain infections like cytomegalovirus or CMV, parvovirus like fifth disease, hepatitis C and Epstein-Barr virus noted in infants are also known to lead to lupus symptoms. Being exposed to chemical compounds like trichloroethylene that are present in well water and dust particles.

Lupus Symptoms:

As each lupus case is distinctive, there are a broad range of symptoms that are believed to impinge on various parts of the body. At times, the symptoms appear gradually or abruptly; with intensity ranging from mild, extreme, transitory or long-lasting. Majority of individuals with lupus have just a few organs that exhibit the symptoms, however, complicated cases could cause problems in the functioning of the heart, kidneys, lungs, blood or brain.

Lupus flare-ups are normally cited by a deterioration of certain symptoms mentioned below:

• Twinges in the joints or arthralgia, arthritis, inflammation in the joints particularly in wrist, tiny hand joints, elbows and lower portion from knees downward.
• Swollen hands and feet related to kidney ailments.
• Fever higher than 38 degrees celcius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Long-standing or severe fatigue.
• Appearance of rashes or lacerations on the skin of the upper body.
• Rash formation in butterfly shape noted across the sides of the face and the nose known as malar rash.
• The red blood cells lack the ability to transport oxygen leading to anemia.
• Discomfort in the chest during deep breathing
• Photosensitive to sun or other light sources.
• Hair fall or alopecia.
• Fingers turning white, red and at times blue when exposed to cold conditions. This condition is known as Raynaud’s phenomenon.
• Seizure attacks.
• Ulcer formations in the mouth or nose.
• An increase or loss in weight.
• Dryness in the eyes.
• Easily initiated bruises.
• Feeling of nervousness, depressive tendencies, headaches and loss in memory.

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