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- WOMEN ARE THE PRINCIPAL SUFFERERS?
- Yes - the main trigger of lupus is hormonal activity and change, and lupus can often trigger after childbirth, at the menopause or during puberty and usually between the ages of 15 and 55.
- THE GENETIC LINK - CAN THIS BE EXPLAINED FURTHER?
- A number of illnesses arise from a faulty immune system - two we know well are arthritis and rheumatism. Often the lupus patient has family members with these autoimmune conditions or others such as MS, thyroid problems, diabetes, Raynauds, scleroderma, Sjogrens and others.
- IS LUPUS A WORLDWIDE ILLNESS?
- Yes, and it's more common in black and Asian women than white women.
- BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS LUPUS?
- In lupus the immune system produces far too many antibodies which, circulating through the bloodstream, cause reactions leading to inflammatory processes anywhere in the body.
- WHAT ARE THE OTHER TRIGGERS OF LUPUS?
- A viral infection, strong medication, sunlight, trauma, around puberty, after childbirth and the menopause can all contribute. Environmental factors may also contribute in some way.
Any two or more of these can also combine to set off the illness.
- ARE THERE LUPUS BLOOD TESTS AND IS DIAGNOSIS EASY?
- The range of symptoms can mislead GPs but there are specific blood tests available.
The individual's medical history gives good indications to lupus specialists, usually rheumatologists. Other specialists who may treat lupus patients include renal experts, obstetricians, dermatologists and cardiologists.
On balance, diagnosis is not easy and it would help enormously if family doctors were able to be better informed about lupus..
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