Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune inflammatory disease.
That means that the body's immune system produces antibodies that actually attack other parts of the body.
So how do you know if you have it? Well there are some common symptoms to look for to determine if you are a potential risk for lupus.
Lupus can be a difficult disease to deal with, so an early prognosis is very important.
The sooner you know if you have lupus, the sooner you can react and begin managing the disease.
There are a few tell-tale things that you should look for if you are concerned about having lupus.
Below is a list of the common symptoms associated with lupus.
-Swelling and pain in joints -Skin rashes -Muscle aches -Loss of appetite -Weight loss -Fatigue -Hair loss -Lesions around the bridge of the cheeks and nose -Lesions on the scalp If you feel that you have a sufficient number of these symptoms, you should consult a certified physician and be formally tested for the disease.
Lupus is not the end of the world; it is manageable.
While there is no outright cure for the disease, you can do things to reverse its effects to the point that you may not even notice you still have it.
Here are a few tips to help you manage the effects of lupus: General guidelines for SLE patients: -Exercise! A healthy body has a better chance of fighting of any disease, not just lupus.
-Similarly, eliminate alcohol and smoke intake.
These do not lead to a healthy body.
-Being in the sun is fine, but try to avoid long exposure to it.
If it is necessary, be sure to use a strong sunscreen to protect yourself.