10 Things You Should Know About Lupus

From Diagnosis to Disease Management

Updated May 20, 2018
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Lupus is a complicated disease. Whether it has been suggested you may have lupus, or you have a definitive diagnosis, you should know these 10 basic facts about lupus.

Lupus Is an Autoimmune, Rheumatic Disease

In lupus, the immune system of the body attacks its own cells and tissues. Specifically, the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, and other organs of the body are affected.

There Are 5 Types

  1. Systemic lupus erythematosus - affects joints and organs
  2. Discoid lupus - affects the skin
  3. Sub-acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus - characterized by a specific, non-scarring skin lesion
  4. Drug-induced lupus - develops after a drug reaction
  5. Neonatal lupus - affects newborns

90% of Patients Are Women

Lupus affects roughly 10 times as many women as men. Most often, lupus develops in people 18 to 45 years old. Though lupus is most prevalent among women, it also may affect men and children, as well as people of all ages.

There Are 11 American College of Rheumatology Criteria for Lupus

Lupus is differentiated from other connective tissue diseases, based on eleven criteria offered by the American College of Rheumatology for classification purposes.

  • Butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
  • Scaly disk-shaped rash on face, neck, ears, scalp, chest
  • Sunlight sensitivity
  • Mouth sores, tongue sores, inside nose sores

It is recommended that if you have four or more of the eleven criteria, you should consult with a rheumatologist.

Getting a Diagnosis May Be Difficult

Lupus is considered an unpredictable disease, with no two cases exactly the same. The unique pattern of symptoms associated with lupus has caused some to say that lupus is like a snowflake. No two are alike. There are several symptoms of lupus which mimic other rheumatic diseases (e.g., severe fatigue), making the diagnostic process difficult.

Treatment Depends on Severity of Symptoms

Conservative treatment with NSAIDs (i.e., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen) and plaquenil may be appropriate for lupus patients with non-life threatening symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, and skin rashes. More aggressive treatment which may include high dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs is used when there are severe organ complications. The benefits and risks of treatment must be weighed by each patient and their doctor.

Up to 1.5 Million People May Have Lupus in the US

Though the Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans have lupus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer a more conservative estimate of 237,000. Approximately 70 percent of lupus cases are systemic. In 50 percent of those cases, it is a major organ which is affected.

Certain Races Have an Increased Risk

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, lupus is two to three times more prevalent among people of color, including African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans.

The Majority of Patients Lead Normal Lives

With careful monitoring of lupus and treatment adjustments as needed, most lupus patients lead normal lives. There may be some limitations and the disease may impose restrictions at times but with good disease management quality of life can be sustained. The worst adversary comes from within, when the patient loses hope, loses will, and gives in to frustration and depression.

Rheumatologist Is a Specialist That Treats Lupus

Your primary care doctor can refer you to a rheumatologist, or you can get an appointment through self-referral if your health insurance allows it. Evaluation by a rheumatologist is important so that a patient can develop a treatment plan.

Sources:

Lupus. Arthritis Foundation. 20 Mar 2007.

Lupus. American College of Rheumatology. 20 Mar 2007.

Statistics About Lupus. Lupus Foundation of America. 20 Mar 2007.