Lupus -causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Autoimmune Disease Symptoms — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:14:00 +0000

There are two main forms of this autoimmune disease – Systemic lupus erythematosus and Discoid lupus erythematosus.Systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common and debilitating form which can cause inflammation of the joints, tendons, connective tissue and major organs such as the kidneys and heart. However, the most obvious symptom is a butterfly-shaped rash which occurs across the cheeks and nose.Causes of LupusIt’s generally believed that lupus is caused by alterations in the immune system. The body’s immune system normally fights foreign bacteria and viruses; however, with lupus, the immune system may fail to recognize “self” substances and will make antibodies that attack the body’s own tissue. This is called autoimmunity. The body may also fail to clear antigens (foreign particles), and certain white blood cells may behave abnormally. GeneticsMost researchers feel that it is likely that there is a genetic component to lupus. The condition can be considered hereditary in that people who have a family history or lupus itself, other autoimmune condtions, or allergic conditions, seem to be at increased risk of developing the disease. This is not to say that everyone with a family history such as this will develop lupus. Researchers have not discovered a single gene that is linked to lupus but have found groups of genes, particularly on chromosomes 6, 16 and 20, which seem to indicate a person is at greater risk of developing the condition.Symptoms of LupusSLE symptoms may develop slowly over months or years, or they may appear suddenly. Symptoms tend to be worse during winter months, perhaps because prolonged exposure to sunlight in the summer causes a gradual build-up of factors that trigger symptoms months later.Each person with lupus has slightly different symptoms that can range from mild to severe and may come and go over time. However, some of the most common symptoms of lupus include painful or swollen joints (arthritis), unexplained fever, and extreme fatigue. A characteristic red skin rash (the so-called butterfly or malar rash) may appear across the nose and cheeks. Affecting what the Lupus Foundation of America estimates is 500,000 to 1.5 million Americans, lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneysLupus treatedSteroids. Steroid creams can be applied directly to rashes. The use of creams is usually safe and effective, especially for mild rashes. The use of steroid creams or tablets in low doses can be effective for mild or moderate features of lupus. Steroids also can be used in higher doses when internal organs are threatened. Unfortunately, high doses also are most likely to produce side effects.Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)—Commonly used to help keep mild lupus-related problems, such as skin and joint disease, under control. This drug is also effective at preventing lupus flares.antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine phosphate or hydroxychloroquine for rashes, arthritis and malaiseimmunosuppressive and cytotoxic drugs such as Immuran (azathioprine) and Cytoxan (cycyclophosphamide) are prescribed with vital organs are involved and/or corticosteroids aren’t effective.

The AAA Link: Allergies, Autoimmune Diseases and Autism

Autoimmune Disease Symptoms — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:18:06 +0000

There are a vast amount of patients who walk into a clinic desiring relief from their allergy issues. But what about those patients who suffer from Autoimmune diseases or Autism, also? Is there an allergy link there that the patient may not even be aware of? The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates up to 23.5 million Americans suffer from autoimmune disease and that the prevalence is rising. Researchers have identified 80-100 different autoimmune diseases and suspect at least 40 additional diseases of having an autoimmune basis. These diseases are chronic and can be life-threatening. Autoimmune disease is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in female children and women in all age groups up to 64 years of age. Then add Autism in it’s now epidemic and climbing rates. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism. These statistics mean that every 20 minutes another child in America is diagnosed. [1]
Although there is much additional treatment necessary for both autoimmune disease and autism the fact remains that allergies play a significant role in these health concerns. When a patient walks through your office door with symptoms or diagnosis of one of the over 80 various autoimmune diseases, wouldn’t it be wise to address immediately any allergies that patient may have? Autoimmune disease studies are finding the correlation of allergies triggering the disease itself. A new study by researchers at Children’s and the University of Washington (UW) identifies a connection between allergic diseases and autoimmune diseases. The study was published in the April 1 edition of Nature Immunology. “Our study implies that allergic and inflammatory diseases may actually trigger autoimmune diseases by relaxing the controls that normally eliminate newly produced, self-reactive B cells. This is important because many autoimmune diseases are caused by self-reactive antibodies produced by such B cells” said Dr. David Rawlings lead researcher and section head of Immunology at Children’s Hospital and the UW. [2] If an allergy can actually trigger such diseases quick implementation treating those allergies is simply basic common sense.
In regard to autism, which not only affects a child but extends beyond to his / her family, schooling and as we are discovering; society in general every possible aspect for treatment must be considered. Therefore any allergy link needs to be addressed. Dr. Stephen M. Edelson from the Autism Research Institute writes, “People with autism are more susceptible to allergies and food sensitivities than the average person; and this is likely due to their impaired immune system. The best way to stop a reaction to a particular food substance is to remove that food from the person’s diet. Other treatments include taking nutrients to strengthen the immune system and giving the person sublingual drops, i.e., very small amount of the substance. In general, it is important that people realize that allergies and food sensitivities can affect one’s health and behavior, but these problems are treatable.” If treating these allergies is as simple as Allergy America’s sublingual drops makes it, shouldn’t every doctor offer this simple therapy as a means to help elevate symptoms in those suffering with autism?
Often we miss some of the basic measures that can produce relief from various ailments because we bypass the immediate opportunity for treatment, instead jumping ahead to tackle the greater issue. With sublingual drops, immediate treatment and recovery from a patient’s allergies not only happens, but in the case of autoimmune disease and autism, could also assist with reduction from symptoms or perhaps triggers of the disease manifesting itself.
1. American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc. (2008, November 22) Autoimmune Disease Stat Sheet
2. Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center of Seattle (2007, April 6). Connection Between Allergic Diseases And Autoimmune

autoimmune disease symptoms, medication and treatment » Lupus Treatment

Lupus -causes, Symptoms, Treatment

The AAA Link: Allergies, Autoimmune Diseases and Autism