Health
lupus
a concern for women
Lupus is a common disease found in women,
though it does not fail to attack men
at times. It is mainly caused due to the
development of undesirable antibodies inside
the body. Unlike other diseases, the autoimmune
system of the body induces lupus in human body,
leading to inflammation of various body tissues.
which body parts are
targeted?
The development of antibodies can take place in
any part of the body. Hence, lupus can target any
body part from lungs, kidneys and heart to skin,
nervous system and various body joints.
who are probable victims?
It has been estimated that 90% of the patients
suffering from lupus are women. Women in the
age group of 18-45 are more likely to be victimized
by lupus. The women from regions like Native
America, Latin America and of African American
origin are at higher risks of obtaining this disease.
why is lupus of concern
among women?
Lupus is a disease that can further lead to a
number of serious problems. For instance, women
suffering from lupus become more prone to heart
attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, diabetes,
joint and muscle pains. Furthermore, lupus in
women can also lead to weakening of bones
and emergence of diseases like osteoporosis. So
fatigue and pains are obviously most prominent
problems induced in lupus patients.
how is lupus caused?
• As mentioned in the beginning, immune
system of human body is mainly responsible
for introduction of lupus in human body. The
unfavorable antibodies developed in the body
can attack various tissues of the body, thereby
leading them to have inflammations.
• The second-most common cause of lupus is
hormone change, especially during the period
of pregnancy and during childbirth.
• Another reason for occurrence of lupus is
exposure to extreme environmental conditions
like sunlight.
• Stress is also one of the pertinent causes of
the disease.
• This disorder is often caused due to intake of
certain medications, which can advance the
development of bas antibodies.
• Lastly, some types of viruses can also cause
lupus in women.
common symptoms
Lupus occurs in a number of variations, including
systemic lupus erythematosus, discoid lupus,
neonatal lupus and subacute cutaneous lupus
erythematosus. The most common symptoms
of all these variations are:
• Pain and swelling in the body joints.
• Appearance of skin rashes, which include rashes
in the shape of butterfly over nose and cheeks
and sores on neck and chest.
• Pain in the chest, especially during heavy
breathing.
• Inflammation in body organs like heart, lungs
and internal organs.
• Fatigue and anemia.
• Hair loss.
• Sensitivity to sunlight.
• Loss of memory, lack of agility and presence of
mind and confusion.
• Abnormalities related to the nervous system,
kidneys and abdomen.
By: Michael Biehn
12 WomanToWomanMagazine.com
/WomanToWomanMagazine.com
