Lupus

When the body immune system becomes hyperactive and starts to attack the healthy tissue, this is known as an autoimmune disease called lupus. A perfectly functioning immune system is capable of fighting off antigens, viruses and bacteria; however, lupus makes the immune system unable to distinguish the difference between antigens and normal tissue. This can create symptoms such as:  

• Inflammation and swelling
• Damage to the skin
• Issues with the kidneys
• Compromising blood quality
• Damage to the lungs and the heart

Roughly 1.5 to 2 million Americans have been diagnosed with some form of lupus. There are several different types of lupus that have been identified in the medical community, but the most common type is known as systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although healthcare professionals aren’t quite sure the exact cause of lupus, they have speculated that it could result from both genetic and environmental stimuli.

Because Lupus can affect many bodily functions that are essential for survival, it is important to contact your primary healthcare physician as soon as you see or feel like something is wrong. In this case, it is better to be on the safer side and get it checked out early before irreparable damage occurs.