Lupus

LUPUS Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that damages cells and tissues, potentially affecting any part of the body. In an autoimmune disease, your immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign invaders and the body's own healthy tissues. So the body creates autoantibod- ies that attack otherwise healthy tissue within the body. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body, specifically the joints, skins, kidneys, lungs, heart and nervous system. A CLOSER LOOK AT THE AUTOIMMUNE CONDITION At least 5,000,000 1.5 Million PEOPLE SUFFER FROM Americans Have Lupus LUPUS GLOBALLY 90% Lupus patients ARE WOMEN 2-3 times More prevalent among people of color * Including African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American. R.I.P. 10 - 15 % Lupus patients die Prematurely Due To Complications From Lupus. III Lupus is like a snowflake. NO TWO CASES ARE ALIKE. SYMPTOMS Many symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mimic those of other illnesses making lupus a difficult disease to diagnose. The diagnosis of lupus is based on a combination of physical symptoms and laboratory results. For most people it takes multiple tests to confirm a Lupus diagnosis. When four or more of the following symptoms are present, it is generally recommended to consult with a rheumatologist. Neurologic problems includes headaches and difficulty with memory or concentration and numbness of limbs. Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose. Sunlight sensitivity of the skin. Scaly disk-shaped rash on face, neck, ears, scalp, chest. Blood problems such as anemia or low white cell count. Lung problems such as stabbing chest pain or shortness of breath. Heart problems such as sudden pain in the center of the left side of the chest that may spread to the neck, back, shoulders, or arms. Kidney disease that leads to weight gain and swelling (edema). Arthritis such as pain in joints. Diseases that are commonly misdiagnosed as lupus: 1. Lyme's Disease 2. Multiple Sclerosis 3. Fibromyalgia Provided By Achieve Clinical www.AchieveClinical.com | Achieve Clinical Research SOURCES: www.Lupus.org, www.womenshealth.gov about.com, redbumpsonskin.net An Accel Research Site