Lupus

Samantha Wilson

Health 11

Period 3, Day 3

Description

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can virtually affect any

organ in the human body.

Who does Lupus Affect?

• More than 16,000 Americans are affected with Lupus every year• It is estimated that about 500,000 to 1.5 million Americans have

been diagnosed with Lupus• African Americans are three times as likely to die from Lupus than

whites• Women are five times as likely to dies from Lupus then men• 80% of those who are diagnosed with Lupus are between the

ages of 15-45• More people have lupus than cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis and

multiple sclerosis combined.

Short/Long Term Affects

• Short Term Affects include– Puffy face– Acne– Rashes – Heartburn– Mood swings– Excessive weight gain

or loss

• Long Term Affects include– Easy Bruising– Thinning of hair and

skin– Kidney failure– High blood pressure– Weakened or

damaged bones

In some cases Lupus may cause death, the leading cause of death for people who do have Lupus is cardiovascular disease, which can

lead to heart attacks.

Short/Long Term Treatments

• Short Term treatments include things such as sunscreen to prevent rashes, regular exercise to prevent muscle weakness, and eliminating negative and hazardous habits such as; smoking, drinking and use of drugs.

• Long Term treatments include different types of medications depending on the severity of the Lupus as well as the type of Lupus you have.

Curable? Preventable?

There is currently no way that you can prevent Lupus. Though studies show that there is a link between high risk behaviors

and those who have Lupus, so, limiting risky behavior would be an option

Lupus is not curable, but treatments are available to help control the disease

Symptoms

• Achy joints• Swollen joints• High fever• Extreme fatigue• Red

rashes( commonly found on the face)

• Anemia• Kidney problems • Hair loss• Seizures• Sun or light sensitivity

Doctors who specialize in the disease Lupus?

They are doctors who study Lupus, but none who specialize in it. but if you suspect that you do have Lupus, you should see a

rheumatologist. This is because rheumatologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the

joints, muscles and bones, as well as certain autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Bibliography

• http://health.yahoo.com/lupus-overview/lupus-systemic-lupus-erythematosus-topic-overview/healthwise--hw123406.html

• http://www.lupus.org/newsite/index.html• http://lupus.webmd.com/default.htm• http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/• http://arthritis.about.com/od/lupus/a/guidet

olupus_2.htm