Types of Lupus – Autoimmune Disease

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects millions of people all over the world.  Lupus compromises the immune system. The disease can attack and damage any area of the body. Statistics show that over 1.5 million Americans have a form of Lupus and an estimated 5 million total worldwide. 90% of cases of Lupus involve women. This disease generally affects people between the ages of 15-44. This article explains the different types of Lupus.

Types of Lupus

1.Systemic lupus

This is the most common form of lupus. About 70% of lupus cases are tagged with the word “systemic”. This type is can range from mild to severe. With systemic lupus a patient can expect the complications below:

(a) Blood pressure increases from the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).

(b) Kidneys can become inflamed (lupus nephritis); When the kidneys suffer from inflammation, the ability for the kidneys to filter waste is compromised. This can lead to kidney damage and possibly the need for a kidney transplant.

(c) Coronary artery disease; an increase of deposits on the coronary artery walls which can lead to heart problems or even a heart attack.

(d) Brain and nervous system can also be affected resulting in possible strokes, headaches, and mental confusion.

(e) Brain blood vessels can become inflamed, which can cause seizures, abnormally high fevers, and even behavioral alterations.

2. Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

This is the form of lupus that strictly affecting the skin; word cutaneous actually refers to the skin. With this form of the disease patients can expect the following symptoms:

(a)   Rashes on the skin; rash that specifically appears on the nose and cheeks called butterfly rash; Areas of the skin exposed to sunlight such as the head and face may be more prone to rash development

(b) Hair loss

(c) Changes in the color of the skin

(d) 10% of patients will eventually develop systemic lupus

3. Drug-induced Lupus Erythematosus

This type of lupus is caused by the usage of prescription drugs such as hydralazine, isoniazid, and procainamide. This form of Lupus normally doesn’t affect the major organs unlike other forms of the disease. It is more common in men.  Factors in this form of lupus are:

(a)   Areas affected are usually muscles and joints with swelling

(b)   Inflammation of the lungs or heart(Serositis)

(c)    Once medications are stopped, symptoms disappear in about six months

4. Neonatal Lupus

The only lupus that affects infants in women that have the disease. It is the result of antibodies from the mother being carried over to the infant in the mother’s womb.  It affects more boys than girls.  Babies born with this type lupus can expect:

(a) Skin rash at birth

(b) Below average blood cell count

(c) Liver problems

(d) Most cases disappear after a few months with little or no lasting effects

If you or a loved one suspect you may have lupus please contact your health care provider for a consultation. You could save yourself or a loved one from a troubling and possible fatal condition.

This is a guest post from Tony Bowen. If you wish to submit your guest post in Cytogenetics Cancer Research blog, you may see follow the guidelines.

Author Bio: Tony Bowen is a content writer for Online Schools and Online MBA who gives advice on the pursuit of education and living a healthy life. He also is a contributing writer for a site that helps students determine the best online nursing program for them. In his free time he enjoys writing, fishing, hunting, sports, and video games.