Lupus: The Disease With a Thousand Faces
Someone you know might have lupus.
What is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body including the skin, joints, blood and kidneys. The body’s immune system normally makes proteins called antibodies to protect the body against viruses, bacteria and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens. In an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances (antigens) and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against “self”. These antibodies, called “auto-antibodies,” react with the “self” antigens to form immune complexes. The immune complexes build up in the tissues and can cause inflammation, injury to tissues and pain.
Many lupus symptoms mimic other illnesses, are sometimes vague and may come and go, which can make lupus difficult to diagnose. Diagnosis is usually made by a careful review of a person’s entire medical history, coupled with an analysis of the results obtained in routine laboratory tests and some specialized tests related to immune status.
The cause(s) of lupus is unknown, but there are environmental and genetic factors involved. While scientists believe there is a genetic predisposition to the disease, it is known that environmental factors also play a critical role in triggering lupus.
For many people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems. 80% of people diagnosed with Lupus are women from 15 to 45, however children, young teens, men and seniors can also be affected. More than 50,000 Canadians are living with lupus.
Living with Lupus
Despite the symptoms of lupus and the potential side-effects of treatment, people with lupus can maintain a high quality of life. One key to managing lupus is to understand the disease and its impact. Learning to recognize the warning signs of a flare-up can help the patient take steps to ward it off or reduce its intensity. Staying healthy requires extra effort for people with lupus, so it becomes especially important to develop strategies for maintaining wellness. Wellness involves close attention to the body, mind and spirit. One of the primary goals of wellness for people with lupus is coping with the stress of having a chronic disorder. Effective stress management varies from person to person.
Developing and maintaining a good support system is also important. A support system may include family, friends, medical professionals, community organizations and support groups. Participating in a support group can provide emotional help, boost self-esteem and morale, and help develop or improve coping skills.
Lupus Ontario
Lupus Ontario strives to support people with lupus and their families. Public education, dissemination and publication of information about lupus is also a priority. Lupus Canada and Lupus Ontario promote and provide money for research. Lupus Ontario engages in counseling and education work through branches and support groups with the help of many dedicated volunteers. They produce a quarterly newsletter and offer advocacy support for people with lupus and their families.
Visit www.lupusontario.org or call Juanita Butler at 1.877.240.1099 or 905.415.1099 for more information.
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
