Lupus Information

What Causes Lupus?
It is likely that there is no single cause but rather a combination of…factors that work together to cause the disease. In Lupus the bodies immune system doesn’t work as it should. The exact cause may differ from one person to another.

Diagnosing Lupus
We recommend that you see a Rheumatologist if you suspect that you have lupus. They will need to do a thorough examination of:

• Medical History
• Complete Physical Examination
• Laboratory tests: Blood Work Urinalysis, Blood Chemistry, etc.

Lupus Tutorial for Newly Diagnosed

Download free brochures to learn more about aspects of lupus:

Antimalarials handout
Coping With Lupus handout
Cutaneous handout
Facts You Should Know handout
Genetics handout
Laboratory Tests handout
Steroids handout
Vascular Disease handout
Genetics of SLE brochure
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these files.

Contact us for a list of doctors in your area.

Glossary-You will find a large number of terms that are generally associated with the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of lupus, along with their definitions.


Common Symptoms of Lupus

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of Appetite
• Weight Loss
• Butterfly Rash
• Hair Loss
• Photosensitivity
• Seizure
• Chest Pain
• Joint Pain
• Muscle Pain
• Mouth or nose ulcers
• Raynaud’s Phenomenon
  

What if I have Lupus?

Lupus is not considered to be life threatening unless there is major organ involvement. In recent years physicians have become much better at the diagnosis and treatment of lupus than ever before.

Most people who are afflicted with lupus can receive effective treatment that will assist them in living a normal life. Because symptoms and disease course can vary so widely in lupus, "tailor-made" treatment programs are essential for each person. Once a person has been diagnosed and is receiving treatment, it is important to continue to see his or her physician on a regular basis to ensure proper monitoring of the disease.

What can I do?
Patients who are well informed and participate actively in their own care experience less pain and make fewer visits to the doctor. Joining the Lupus Alliance keeps you up to date on the latest developments regarding the care and treatment of Lupus.

Lupus Facts
Lupus is not infectious, rare or cancerous. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that more than two million Americans have been diagnosed with lupus.Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease which causes inflammation of various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints
blood and kidneys.

Did you know?
More people have Lupus than Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Sickle-Cell Anemia,
and Cystic Fibrosis Combined.

• Pamphlets
• Books on Lupus
• Definition
• Types of Lupus
• Cause
• Pregnancy and Lupus
• Symptoms of Lupus
• Diagnosis
• Laboratory Tests Used in the Diagnosis of Lupus
• FLARES (What Triggers Lupus?)
• Treatment
• Nutrition and Diet
• Prognosis
• Glossary