What Causes Lupus

Both genetic and environmental factors play a major role in the development of lupus. Read on, to understand more about the causes of lupus, its symptoms and treatment.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells and tissues. Its symptoms vary depending upon the lupus type diagnosed and severity of the condition. Women are at a higher risk of developing this autoimmune disorder than men.

It is also observed that women in the age group 15 - 44 are more susceptible to lupus than others. As per the studies conducted in women patients, the hormone estrogen is believed to be a triggering factor of lupus.

The statistics of lupus is higher in people of specific ethnic groups. However, like other autoimmune related ailments, actual causes of lupus are not known. The most accepted theory is, it is resulted due to combined effects of genetic and environmental factors.

As far as hereditary aspect is concerned, persons having a family history of autoimmune disease are more likely to develop lupus than others. And, if one of the twins has this disease, the other person runs a high risk of manifesting it sooner or later.

Till date, no gene(s) has been discovered that might be responsible for causing lupus. But, approximately ten percent of lupus patients have relatives or ancestors who suffered or are suffering from lupus. On the contrary, children born to lupus parents have only five percent possibility of inheriting this autoimmune disease.

Doctors are of the opinion that an individual having a genetic predisposition to the disease develops notable symptoms when he/she is exposed to triggers.

Some factors that act as triggers for onset of lupus symptoms are listed below.

• Strong medication
• Physical exhaustion
• Prolonged stress
• Infection
• Injury
• Hormonal fluctuation
• Being pregnant
• Exposure to UV rays of the sun

In a normal healthy person, the immune system is considered as a natural healing system. As soon as the body encounters any foreign particle, it generates antibodies that destroy the particle.

This way, the immune system helps fight against the entry of any foreign body (be it bacteria, virus or other microorganisms), thereby preventing the onset of diseases. In a patient diagnosed with lupus, the immune system fails to function normally.

Instead of acting against harmful agents, it produces autoantibodies that affect the normal body cells. This autoimmune response causes inflammation and damage to the skin, joints, blood cells, lungs, heart, and kidneys.

Based on the causes and ways of affecting the body, lupus is categorized into four different types. They are systemic lupus erythematosus (abbreviated as SLE), drug-induced lupus, discoid lupus, and neonatal lupus. Of these, systemic lupus erythematosus is the most frequently diagnosed lupus.

It affects almost all the organs of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, lungs, and kidneys. Discoid lupus primarily affects the skin, hence it is also referred to as cutaneous type. In some afflicted patients, skin rashes develop on the face, neck, and scalp.

Drug-induced lupus is caused due to the adverse effects of certain medications. It may cause damage to any part of the body and symptoms usually subside after abstaining from the drugs. Neonatal lupus, as the name suggests, occurs in newborn babies.

The antibodies that cause neonatal lupus in babies are passed on from the mother. The baby, after giving correct treatment, may recover within six months. Commonly manifested symptoms of lupus are fatigue, high body temperature, muscle pain, joint pain, skin lesions (particularly in the face), mouth sores, hair loss, weight gain, and weight loss.

In severe cases, it may lead to organ damage, which can be life-threatening. Diagnosis of lupus type is essential in order to receive correct treatment. Depending upon the diagnostic test results, the doctor may prescribe medication therapy suited for the patient.

Prescription drugs for lupus treatment include painkiller, anti-inflammatory and antimalarial drugs, immunosuppressive drugs, corticosteroids, and other therapeutic formulations. To conclude with, a patient suffering from lupus will definitely live a normal life, if the symptoms are managed properly.