Negosentro | Why Lupus is a Dangerous Disease | Systemic lupus erythematosus, also referred to as lupus, is a long-term autoimmune condition that affects various body organs. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of people with lupus in Tampa do not even know they have the chronic disease because of misdiagnosis. The immune system is responsible for fighting off infections. However, when you have lupus, the system fights with healthy body cells, mistaken for pathogens. As a result, you will have inflammation and other painful symptoms in various parts of your body. However, no lupus cases are similar. While symptoms in some people may appear suddenly, in some patients may develop gradually.
How does lupus affect your immune system?
The autoimmune ailment happens when your immune system affects your tissues, cells, and organs, resulting in inflammation and discomfort. Though your immune system attacks your healthy cells accidentally, lupus damages different parts of your body, including your skin, lungs, kidneys, and brain. As a result, you will be vulnerable to infections, some of which may be life-threatening. Unfortunately, people are more likely to develop the chronic disease than others. For instance, you are likely to develop lupus when you encounter lupus triggers in your environment, especially if you have an inherited disposition for the condition.
What are the complications you are likely to have with lupus?
The inflammation you are likely to have because of lupus may affect several parts of your body including:
- Lungs. The condition increases your chances of inflammation in your chest cavity lining, which makes you experience difficulty breathing. As a result, you may also have pneumonia and bleeding into your lungs.
- Kidneys. Lupus may result in severe kidney damage, which can be fatal
- Heart. You are likely to have an inflammation of your heart muscle, heart membrane, and arteries, which significantly increase your risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular conditions when you have lupus.
- Blood vessels. When you have lupus, the condition lowers your red blood cell count and increases the risk of bleeding. Additionally, the chronic ailment may result in inflammation of your blood vessels.
- Brain. You will most likely experience seizures, dizziness, headaches, vision problems, and stroke when lupus affects your brain. The disease may also result in memory problems, making it hard for you to express your thoughts.
Besides affecting your various body parts, the condition may also increase your risk of bone tissue death and infections because lupus and its treatments are likely to weaken your immune system. Additionally, the chronic disease may cause you to have a miscarriage, preterm birth, and increase your blood pressure during pregnancy. Therefore, your healthcare provider may advise you to delay pregnancy until you learn to manage the ailment for at least six months.
Lupus may be challenging to diagnose since most of its symptoms mimic those of other conditions. A facial rash that resembles a butterfly’s wings unfolding on your cheeks is a distinctive sign you are likely to have the chronic disease. Therefore, an unexplained rash with other signs, including unrelenting fever and aching, is not something you should ignore. Contact your doctor to know how you can prevent lupus.
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