Covering the Basics of Lupus – Part II
Filed Under Naturopathy |
In my last blog I discussed the origins of the autoimmune disease called lupus, as well as two of the three classifications of the disease. The last type and most serious form of lupus is called systemic (system-wide) lupus. Systemic lupus can affect nearly any organ or system in the body. For example, it can affect the kidneys of the urinary system, the joints of the muscular system, or the lungs of the respiratory system. Some patients have one organ or system involved while for others it might be several organs and body systems. Obviously, the more organs and systems involved, the greater the problems in treating, preventing and mitigating any further progression of the disease.
There is no single way to diagnose lupus. A very thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history (both past and present) is coupled with the results of a series of blood tests. Because of the difficulty in diagnosing lupus, it is often misdiagnosed as something less serious or completely different, such as rheumatoid arthritis or Raynaud’s disease.
Please contact your physician if you experience any of the following symptoms: the onset of a rash or reddened area on the skin, joint pain, changes in urinary function, or shortness of breath, or if you have a family history of lupus. Remember, early intervention and treatment is the key to successful control of lupus.
The next and last part of the series (Part III) will cover how to live with lupus.
In health and wellness,
Dr. Linda Mundorff
