Lupus is a type of chronic inflammatory disease. When you have this condition, your immune system erroneously harms tissues and cells that are otherwise healthy and normal. Lupus inflammation can have an impact on numerous body systems, including the lungs, joints, heart, blood cells, skin, and brain. Since its symptoms are frequently similar to those of many other health ailments, diagnosis of this condition is often tricky and complicated.
Age and Gender
If you're a woman, then you have higher odds of the disease. Over 90% of the people who have lupus are female. Women who are of childbearing age are particularly vulnerable to lupus. If you're a woman between the ages of 15 and 44 years old, your chances of experiencing lupus symptoms are higher.
Ethnicity and Genetics
People of certain ethnic backgrounds are markedly more susceptible to lupus, too. If you're of Asian, Latino, African-American, Pacific Islander, or Native American heritage, your risk of lupus is generally higher than it is for Caucasians. Not only are people of these races more at risk, but their cases of lupus are typically more intense, too. Genetics also plays a part in lupus. If your family has a history of lupus, then you might be more vulnerable.
Medicines
Some medications are believed to contribute to the emergence of lupus. If you take any medications that are linked to drug-induced systemic lupus, you might be at risk. These various medications include methyldopa, hydralazine, procainamide, isoniazid, and minocycline. If you're concerned about the link between these medications and lupus, speak to your doctor. Changing medications, if at all possible, might help decrease your risk. Once you cease taking the medication, your lupus symptoms should go away after a little time has passed. The symptoms are in no way permanent.
Avoiding Risks
Decreasing lupus risk factors isn't always possible. People cannot change their gender, age, ethnic group, or family background. However, some things can contribute to lupus attacks. These things include sunlight exposure, chemical exposure, and smoking. Silica dust and well water are thought to contain chemical toxins that can lead to lupus episodes. If you have lupus and are concerned about attacks, talk to your doctor about ways in which you can try to avoid them. Quitting smoking, for example, can be beneficial for keeping attacks at bay. Stopping smoking can also lessen the intensity and discomfort of lupus episodes.
Additional Considerations
Note that while some individuals are more susceptible to lupus, anyone can potentially experience the disease, regardless of sex, age, race, or family background. If you have symptoms that include fever, muscle ache, joint ache, joint swelling, or exhaustion, visit a doctor as soon as possible for a checkup. Red facial rashes also occasionally point to lupus. While these rashes frequently appear on the face, they sometimes appear elsewhere, too. Lupus lacks a cure as of the publication of this article. However, lifestyle tweaks and medication can be beneficial for managing the condition.
