Lupus - Spotlight on Lupus
While most women are aware of the signs and health risks of breast cancer and heart disease, relatively few are aware of another significant health problem that strikes mostly young women between the ages of 15 and 45. The disease is lupus. Lupus is a chronic (lifelong) disease in which the immune system, for unknown reasons, becomes out of balance, causing inflammation and serious tissue damage to virtually any organ or system in the body. Even though approximately 1.5 million Americans have lupus, two-thirds of Americans report they are unaware of lupus or its potentially disabling and life-threatening health effects. People of color are at greatest risk for developing lupus. The disease is two to three times more common among African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans than among Caucasians.
What is most troubling about the lack of awareness of lupus is that early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of lupus often can prevent serious consequences, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, funded in part by the PA Department of Health, is undertaking a regional campaign to educate the public, health professionals and policy makers about lupus and its impact on individuals, families and society.
Lupus Can Damage Any Organ System
Lupus is more than joint pain, fatigue, fevers, and skin rashes – common symptoms of the disease. Inflammation caused by lupus can damage the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain, resulting in significant disability or death:
Between 30 and 50 percent of people with lupus will develop nephritis, or kidney disease.
People with lupus are at great risk for blood clots, stroke, and seizures.
Diagnosis of Lupus Can Be Difficult
Lupus is difficult to detect and diagnose because many initial symptoms of the disease often are dismissed as nothing serious. Because the disease develops most often in young adults, and disease activity comes and goes over time, it is not uncommon for people with lupus to suffer several years before doctors can make an accurate diagnosis. On average, people with lupus experience symptoms for four or more years and visit three or more doctors before they are able to obtain a correct diagnosis. Currently, there is no single laboratory test that can determine whether a person has lupus. Diagnosis is usually made by a careful review of a person’s entire medical history coupled with an analysis of the results obtained in routine laboratory tests and some specialized tests related to immune status. The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeastern PA Chapter website includes a short questionnaire that can help individuals determine whether they need to consult with a doctor about lupus. Visit the Chapter website at http://www.lupus-sepa.org or call toll-free 866-517-5070 (PA, NJ, & DE) to obtain a copy or for information on available programs and services.
For more information about lupus, please see the Phillyhealthinfo.org Lupus page.