Every year on May 10, people from around the world observe World Lupus Day to raise awareness about the chronic autoimmune disease and to show support to those coping with the condition. Over the years, many celebrities, from singer-actor-entrepreneur Selena Gomez to World Cup champion and soccer player Shannon Boxx, have opened up about their diagnosis and challenges with lupus.
Worldwide, the autoimmune disease affects an estimated 43.7 out of every 100,000 people, translating to roughly 30.41 lakh people, according to a study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
Lupus occurs when the body's immune system starts to attack its own tissues and organs, leading to various symptoms and complications. While the condition does not have any definite causes, Dr Shaloo Bhasin Gagneja, Consultant - Rheumatology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, suggests that there may be certain factors that could increase the risk of developing lupus.
Also Read: Recognising the Red Flags: 20 Signs You Have an Autoimmune Disease
Understanding Lupus And Its Symptoms
Dr Gagneja describes lupus as an autoimmune illness that is systemic in nature and can affect any part of the body.
According to her, it can affect major organs in the body, including the heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys.
If left untreated, she says that the condition can even be life-threatening for some patients.
Common symptoms include:
- Malar rash
- Oral ulcers
- Excessive hair loss
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Unexplained fever
Common Factors That Can Increase The Risk Of Lupus
Lupus is autoimmune in nature, meaning it occurs when the immune system, which is ideally programmed to fight off foreign pathogens that cause infections, starts to attack its own cells, tissues, and organs, leading to inflammation.
Unfortunately, researchers currently have no answers to why this happens.
However, Dr Gagneja shares some common factors that make people more susceptible to the condition. These include:
Female gender
According to the doctor, lupus is more common in females than males. This is attributed to the hormonal factors in females aged 15–44 years, who, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are nine times more likely to have lupus than males.
The CDC also suggests that the autoimmune disease is more common in women during their childbearing years, when oestrogen levels are highest.
Family history of lupus
A family history of lupus may also put a person at increased risk of developing the condition. While, according to the CDC, most people with lupus do not have family members with the disease, there are instances where some people with lupus do have a family history of the disease.
Certain drugs
Dr Gagneja also suggests that certain drugs can contribute to the risk of lupus. These include:
- Isoniazid
- Hydralazine
- Procainamide
- Tumour-necrosis factor (TNF) alpha inhibitors (such as etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab)
- Minocycline
- Quinidine
Is There A Cure For Lupus?
Unfortunately, lupus cannot be cured completely. However, Dr Gagneja says it can be fully controlled and managed.
If you have any symptoms associated with lupus, it is important to see your rheumatologist immediately, the doctor recommends, adding that early diagnosis, treatment with modern therapies, and careful, regular monitoring of the condition can help patients lead a healthy life.
Moreover, while the condition cannot be prevented, certain practices can prevent flare-ups in patients. This includes avoiding going out in the sun, applying adequate sunscreen, avoiding alcohol consumption, and smoking.
Lastly, ensure that you do not stop taking medications without your doctor's advice.