Covering the Basics of Lupus – Part I
Filed Under Naturopathy |
In this three-part series you will learn about lupus, a growing concern in our country. If lupus runs in your family then I strongly suggest you get tested. Don’t wait until you have symptoms to start taking better care of yourself.
Lupus is a chronic and progressive disease that manifests itself in the skin; however, the damage is usually occurring deep below the skin’s surface in one or more other body organs, such as the joints, kidneys, and lungs. Lupus is categorized as an autoimmune condition whereby the body’s defense system actually attacks its own cells. Normally, the body’s defense system, also known as the immune system, will only attack foreign invaders in the body. These invaders can be in the form of viruses (such as in the common cold) or something like a piece of wood (such as a splinter). Sometimes the immune system, for reasons yet unknown, will confuse its own cells as foreign, and attempt to destroy those cells. In lupus, this self-attack is characterized by inflammation or swelling, which, if left untreated, will damage surrounding tissue and organs. The disease ranges from mild flair-ups to debilitating and often life-threatening episodes.
Lupus is broken down into three distinct types: discoid lupus, systemic lupus, and drug-induced lupus. Discoid lupus only affects the skin and is characterized by a patchy, red, scaly rash most prominently found on the face, neck or scalp. Patients diagnosed with discoid lupus may also experience mouth or nose sores called ulcerations, as well as a sensitivity to the rays of the sun (photosensitivity). Drug-induced lupus is caused by a reaction to specific drugs, most notably in hydralazine, a drug used for high blood pressure, and procainamide, a drug used for cardiac rhythm problems. Because this type of lupus is drug-related, it is easier to treat than discoid lupus. The lupus will resolve itself once the medication is discontinued.
To learn about systemic lupus, tune in next week…
In health and wellness,
Dr. Linda Mundorff
