What Is Lupus

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What Is Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation and tissue damage to virtually any organ in the body, including the heart, lungs, brain, blood, kidneys, joints or skin.

The immune system normally protects the body against viruses, bacteria, cancers, and other undesirable invaders. In an autoimmune disease like lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between undesirable substances and its own cells and tissue. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against "self," which causes inflammation and damage to a person's tissues and organs.

In other words, your immune system thinks your organs are foreign bodies, therefore, your immune system attacks your own organs.

Test Yourself For Lupus

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If you answer "yes" to at least three of these questions, the Lupus Foundation Of America suggests that you consult with your doctor and discuss any questions that you many have about Lupus.

TEST YOURSELF FOR LUPUS

1. Have you ever had stiff, tender, and swollen joints that feel worse in the morning?

2. Have you ever had an unexplained fever higher that 100 degrees F for more that a few days that was not due to infection?

3. Have you ever had extreme fatigue and weakness for days or weeks at a time, even after plenty of sleep?

4. Has your skin broken out after being in the sun, but it's not a sunburn?

5. Have you ever been told that you have anemia, low white cell count or low platelet count?

6. Have you developed irritation or dryness in your eyes or mouth for more than a few weeks?

7. Have you ever been told that you have protein in your urine?

8. Have you ever felt chest pain while taking deep breaths?

9. Have your fingers and/or toes ever become pale or red or blue, or felt numb or painful?

10. Have you ever had a stroke or heart attack?

11. Have you ever had blood clotting problems or a miscarriage?

12. Have you ever had redness or a rash across your nose and cheeks in the shape of a butterfly?

13. Have you ever had a seizure or convulsion?

14. Have you ever had unexplained confusion that lasted more than an hour?

15. Have you had sores in your mouth or nose that lasted for more than five days, or sores on your skin that would not heal?

16. Have you ever had swelling in your legs and ankles on both sides at the same time?

17. Have you had sudden, unexplained hair loss?

18. Have you had unexplained weight loss or abdominal pain that is worse when you breathe?

Lupus-The Disease You Don't Hear Enough About

What Is Lupus

Test Yourself For Lupus