"technically known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body."
An autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs including the joints, skin, and kidneys.
"painful and swollen joints, fever, chest pain, hair loss, mouth ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, feeling tired, and a red rash which is most commonly on the face."
"Often there are periods of illness, called flares, and periods of remission during which there are few symptoms."
"The cause of SLE is not clear. It is thought to involve a combination of genetics and environmental factors."
"Female sex hormones, sunlight, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and certain infections are also believed to increase a person's risk."
"These are most commonly anti-nuclear antibodies and they result in inflammation."
"Diagnosis can be difficult and is based on a combination of symptoms and laboratory tests."
"There are a number of other kinds of lupus erythematosus including discoid lupus erythematosus, neonatal lupus, and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus."
"There is no cure for SLE, but there are experimental and symptomatic treatments."
"Treatments may include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, hydroxychloroquine, and methotrexate."
"Although corticosteroids are rapidly effective, long-term use results in side effects."
"Alternative medicine has not been shown to affect the disease."
"Life expectancy is lower among people with SLE, but with modern treatment, 80–90% of patients can survive for 10 years or more, although men have higher mortality."
"SLE significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease with this being the most common cause of death."
"While women with lupus have higher risk pregnancies, most are successful."
"Rate of SLE varies between countries from 20 to 70 per 100,000."
"Women of childbearing age are affected about nine times more often than men."
"While it most commonly begins between the ages of 15 and 45, a wide range of ages can be affected."
"Those of African, Caribbean, and Chinese descent are at higher risk than those of European descent."
"Lupus is Latin for 'wolf': the disease was so-named in the 13th century as the rash was thought to appear like a wolf's bite."