Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus Essay example - 1364 Words

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. The inflammation caused by lupus can affect many body systems including the following: joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs. Lupus occurs more frequently in women than in men. There are four different types of Lupus that exist. They are Systemic lupus erythematosus, Discoid lupus erythematosus, Drug-induced erythematosus, and Neonatal lupus. The most common and most serious type is Systemic lupus erythematosus. Previously the outlook for people with lupus was grim, but diagnosis and treatment of lupus has improved quite a bit. With proper treatment, most people can lead happy and active lives. This†¦show more content†¦Lupus is a very complex disease that requires knowledge and awareness on the part of the doctor and good communication from the patient. There is no single test that can determine if a person has lupus. Several laboratory tests can help a doctor confirm the diagnosis of SLE or rule out other causes for the person’s symptoms. The ANA (antinuclear antibody) test is commonly used. This test looks for antibodies that react against the components of the nucleus of the body’s cells. The doctor can also order a biopsy of the kidney’s or the skin if those body parts are affected. The doctor can also order a test for anticardiolipin antibodies. If the person is found to have these than they are at an increased risk for blood clotting and there is an increased risk of miscarriages for pregnant women. Other testing that may be done is a complete blood count, urinalysis, blood chemistries, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate test (a test that measures inflammation). In order for a doctor to diagnose you with SLE, you must have 4 out of 11 typical signs of the disease. SLE may alter the results of the following tests: Antithyroglobulin antibody, Antithyroid microsomal antib ody, Complement components (C3 and C4), Coombs’ test-direct, Cryoglobulins, ESR, Kidney function blood tests, Liver function blood tests and Rheumatoid factor. (Makeover, 1997) There are no two cases of SLE that are like. Symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly. The symptoms may be mildShow MoreRelated Lupus Essay1079 Words   |  5 Pages Lupus Definition of the Disease Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown cause that can affect virtually any part of the body. The medical term for Lupus is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or better known as SLE. With Lupus there is a malfunction in some of the cells of the immune system. quot;In Lupus, the body overreacts to an unknown stimulus and makes to many antibodies, or proteins directed against body tissue. Thus, Lupus is called an autoimmune disease. †# Myth/Reality StatementsRead MoreA Woman Doing Life : Notes From A Prison For Women1320 Words   |  6 PagesGeorge was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythmatosus (SLE). Upon her arrival to Fluvanna George reported to the medical staff that she had SLE but it was never written on her medical profile until she had a freak accident. While in the shower George lupus symptoms attacked her and she fell and injured herself in the shower. When she was seen by the prison s doctor they did not believe she had lupus because the doctor declared that only African Americans can get lupus. George s medical case still