Lupus disease is a very complicated disease, especially when you think about how it works. It is a disease that actually attacks the body's immune system, therefore,it is an auto-immune disease. A healthy body's immune system will attack bacteria, viruses, germs, but a body with lupus, attacks its own healthy tissue causing inflammation in the body's joints and muscles. This will cause some different systems in each person that suffers this disorder. Some of the different parts that are affected are the knees, with pain, swelling and redness. Some other areas that can be affected in the more severe cases are the kidneys, the lungs, skin and the heart.
The most commonly parts that are affected by lupus disease are the inflammation in the knees, pain in the kidneys and redness and inflammation of the skin. There are approximately 1.5 million Americans who suffer from this disease according to the Lupus Foundation of America, but there may be more who are suffering less severe symptoms and different variations of this disease.
The three main parts of lupus are first, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus which is the most common. The word 'systemic' means that the intestines are being attacked, as well as the kidneys, lungs, the heart and even the brain. The second lupus disease is called Discoid Lupus Erythematosus which affects the skin. There are rashes that develop and changes in the skin color. The third lupus disease is typically drug induced by taking medications prescribed for heart and blood pressure conditions. The disease will usually show up when the medications are used, and symptoms dissipate once the medication is discontinued.
There is no cure for lupus, but there are many treatments that can be done to decrease the symptoms and make this disease more tolerable and easier to live with. Every person will have different needs and treatments for their lupus. One treatment that seems to help everyone are the anti inflammatory drugs which are prescribed by your doctor, these will help with the painful symptoms in the joints and the skin. The best way to treat lupus disease is through a holistic approach. You will benefit by changing your lifestyle, your diet and adding rest and exercise.
