Lupus: The Real, Yet Unknown Disease

By Ashley Olson

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), more commonly known as Lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that has been known to affect multiple organ systems, including the heart, skin, joints, kidneys, and nervous system. It is one of the country’s most prevalent diseases or conditions, more prevalent than cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, sickle-cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, or AIDS. There are a reported 1.5 million Americans living with lupus. Lupus is an unpredictable disease that involves a rotation of remission and periods of illness, referred to as ‘flares’. This disease is found more often in women and can occur at any age. Like many other diseases and conditions, women of color are at a higher risk for contracting it.

The most common form of lupus, SLE, is triggered by unknown environmental factors (most likely viruses) in people with a specific configuration of genes in their immune system. There is research that indicates that there may be a genetic link as it has been seen to run in families, but there is no known ‘lupus’ gene to prove this. There are also other environmental factors that can trigger the disease or make it worse. These factors include certain medications (some antidepressants and antibiotics), extreme stress, hormones, infections, exposure to sunlight, smoking and exposure to smoking, exposure to trichloroethylene in well water and silica dust.

There are three types of lupus: the first is described above; the second is discoid lupus erythematosus, which mainly affects the skin; and the third is drug-induced lupus, which is triggered by some medications that are prescribed for long term conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, thyroid disease and some neuropsychiatric disorders. This type of lupus usually goes away when the medication regiment is stopped. The symptoms that are most commonly associated with lupus are: malar rash (butterfly-rash), discoid rash, sensitivity to ultraviolet light that results in a rash, ulcers in the nose or mouth (usually painless), nonerosive arthritis, inflammation of the lining around the heart, abdomen, or lungs, kidney problems, neurological disorders, blood problems, problems with the immune system, and a positive blood test for antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Many of these symptoms are symptoms of various other diseases and are commonly misdiagnosed as something other than lupus. When four or more of these symptoms are prevalent in a patient, most likely it is SLE that is the culprit.

There is currently no known cure for lupus, but there are many treatments for it. Treatments are currently restricted to dealing with the symptoms that may come as a result of the disease. This means preventing future flares and dealing with them when they do occur. The first type of treatment involves prescription drugs, while the second involved lifestyle changes and alternative medicines. Mild flares are treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antimalarials, while more serious flares are treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Steroids are avoided if possible because their side affects can cause obesity, diabetes, or osteoporosis to develop in patients. Pain that ranges from moderate to chronic pain can be treated with a varying degree of pain medicines (such as Tylenol, Vicodin, or OxyContin) depending on the degree of pain.

In addition to the above-mentioned treatments there are also a wide variety of alternative medicines or treatments to help prevent flare or other triggers to the disease. Some lifestyle changes such as limiting exposure to sun and weight loss in obese patients are helpful in alleviating some of the effects of the disease. Adhering to a whole foods diet with an increase in vegetables and fish several times a week is one way to develop a healthier diet and immune system. An increase in vitamins A and D, and antioxidant supplements will also help boost the immune system. Regular exercise and stress management are very important for patients with lupus, as a lack of these could be triggers to future flares. In any case, before choosing treatment path, be sure to consult with your physician on a course of action that is consistent with your body and condition.

Today, over 90% of lupus patients survive for more than ten years, and many can live without any signs or symptoms. The most common cause of death is infection due to the lowered immune system as a result of medications used to manage the disease. Lupus is a very real disease that affects large numbers of women in Native communities. As stated earlier, lupus is more prevalent among women of color than any other demographic group. It is not known why this is true but it could be due to socioeconomic factors that put minority groups at high risk for all types of diseases. Without adequate healthcare these groups are more susceptible to these diseases. It is advised that you contact your physician immediately if any combined number of the aforementioned symptoms occur. Remember, lupus can affect anyone, anywhere, so take care to look out for the signs and symptoms.

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