Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus By Madeline Z.
Feb 23, 2016
Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus
By Madeline Z.
Symptomsfatigue painful or swollen joints fever anemia swelling in feet, legs, handspain in chest on deep breathingbutterfly rash (a rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks.
This is a “butterfly rash”
Symptoms Continuedsun- or light-sensitivity (photosensitivity) hair loss abnormal blood clotting fingers turning white/blue when cold or stressed (Raynaud’s phenomenon) Dry eyesHeadaches, confusion, memory loss
This is an example of Raynaud’s phenomenon
Lupus Symptoms Flowchart
CausesGenes possibly, science cannot prove it definitely, but it appears to occur in families.ultraviolet rays from the sun ultraviolet rays from fluorescent light bulbs sulfa drugs, which make a person more sensitive to the sun sun-sensitizing drugs
Causes Continuedpenicillin or other antibiotic drugs an infection a cold or a viral illness exhaustion injury stressors
TreatmentsAnti-inflammatory drugs may be used to treat pain, swelling and fever associated with lupus. Antimalarial drugs. Medications commonly used to treat malaria, can help control lupus. CorticosteroidsDrugs that suppress the immune system may help in serious cases of lupus.
Treatment Side EffectsAnti inflammatory drugs- stomach bleeding, kidney problems, and an increased risk of heart problems.Antimalarial drugs- stomach upset and retina damageCorticosteroids- weight gain, easy bruising, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes and increased risk of infection.Immunosuppressants increased risk of infection, liver damage, infertility, and an increased risk of cancer.
Lupus DietCut Omega-3 Fatty Acids- generally found in oily fish.Greatly reduce all fats and salt.Check with doctors about what herbs can be used in/on food or as supplements; some can make your symptoms worse.Do not eat alfalfa, it has been known to cause lupus like symptoms and lupus flare ups.Eat calcium rich foods such as dark leafy greens.Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain, and a lot of water is encouraged.
Alfalfa
Citations"Lupus Foundation of America." Lupus Foundation of America. Web.
04 June 2012. <http://www.lupus.org/newsite/index.html>.Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
Web. 04 June 2012. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/>."Lupus Picture (Hardin MD Super Site Sample)." Lupus Picture (Hardin
MD Super Site Sample). Web. 07 June 2012. <http://hardinmd.lib.uiowa.edu/dermnet/lupus2.html>.
"Raynaud's Disease ." Raynaud's Disease. Web. 08 June 2012. <http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Raynauds-phenomenon/Pages/Introduction.aspx>.
Lee. "The Chemist's Kitchen: The Most Dangerous Food in the World!" The Chemist's Kitchen: The Most Dangerous Food in the World! Web. 08 June 2012. <http://chemistkitchen.blogspot.com/2009/03/most-dangerous-food-in-world.html>.
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