Lupus is an autoimmune disorder. It is not cancer or AIDS. Lupus is not a well-understood disease, so if you or your child has just been diagnosed with lupus, you might be afraid or confused. Be sure to talk to your health practitioner if you have questions.
Is Lupus Fatal?
Not usually. 80-90% of people with lupus will live a normal lifespan. However, since there are varying degrees of severity of lupus, some people with very severe lupus may have their lifespan reduced. The most common causes of death that may be traced to lupus are kidney failure, being overwhelmed by infection, and possibly heart disease. However, in most cases, lupus is not life-threatening.
Is there a cure for lupus?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for lupus. However, there are many treatment strategies that can be very effective for managing symptoms .
Is Lupus the same as Multiple Sclerosis?
No, although both are autoimmune diseases, lupus and MS are very different conditions. Sometimes lupus can imitate the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis , however.
How dangerous is lupus for children?
Lupus research and treatment has come a long way in recent decades. The prognosis for children is usually good, although not as good as that for adults who are diagnosed with lupus.
Who gets lupus?
- 9 out of 10 lupus sufferers are female.
- Lupus is more common in African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, and Hispanics. However, anyone of any ethnic background can get lupus.
- Lupus is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45.
- It is thought that a predisposition for lupus is inherited genetically, and lupus itself is triggered by an environmental factor in a person with a predisposition. Possible triggers are viruses, medications, or Epstein-Barr virus.
Is lupus contagious?
No, lupus is never contagious. It is a result of the person’s immune system attacking the body’s own tissues, not from a bacteria or virus.
What is the link between lupus and osteoporosis?
- Women with lupus are almost five times more likely to fracture a bone than women without lupus due to osteoporosis .
- Lupus may cause bone loss directly.
- Often, medications used to treat lupus can cause major bone loss.
- Additionally, lupus causes fatigue, which may result in inactivity, which can lead to bone loss.
- If you have lupus, it is important to monitor your bone health and live an active, healthy lifestyle. Make sure you are getting enough calcium and exercise to maintain healthy bones.
What treatments are available for lupus?
Many medications are available for treatment of lupus, although these may come with unpleasant side effects. The following tips will help you stay healthy:
Stay active. Even if you are tired, you should try to get some exercise each day.
Eat a healthy diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids found in flax seeds and fish oil are thought to help people who suffer from lupus.
Don’t smoke or drink too much. Both of these are not good for the body, and can be especially bad for lupus sufferers.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lupus.html
www.lupus.org
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/Conditions_Behaviors/osteoporosis_lupus.asp
i would like to know the life span of a 56 years old black female that has had triple by pass and has scared lung and is on oxygen.and Her blood count is not right and she has to have
transfusens 5 days outthe month until .
the medication shes on is not working anymore.
Cammie, since we are not a medical site, we are unable to offer medical advice. We suggest you ask your health care professional your questions. We certainly wish you well.
When taking an autoimmune suppressant for lupus treatment, is there a higher likihood of contagious disease (esp. when one works with children…school environment)?
Hi Barbara, this is an excellent question. If you are taking an immune-suppressing chemical, yes, its nature is to hinder the immune system – the very defense we rely on to protect us against contagious disease. I have a feeling you’re wondering about the potential swine flu pandemic in schools this fall. I want to tell you not to worry, but you certainly present a delicate situation and there are a few steps you may want to consider. First of all, you may want to ask your doctor about Lupazol, a glyco-8 nutrient base that works with your immune system, not against it. Secondly, make sure your vitamin D levels are good – that means 15 minutes of pure sunlight a day (if you are living with lupus, or live too far from the equator, this can be problematic. A quality supplement should help in this case). Never underestimate the power of a whole foods diet – that means fruits and veggies that support immune function, like peppers, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, and more. Buy organic or soak in a grapefruit seed extract solution to counteract pesticides. You may also want to look into juicing, which allows for better availability and absorption of those precious nutrients! And especially since you are working with children, just remember to stay calm and positive! Any of these steps can have a profound impact on the way you and your children progress this year. Best wishes!