lupus erythematosus

Autoimmune diseases and the cause of lupus erythematosus

The immune system is the body’s defense mechanism. It has to distinguish foreign substances and organisms from its own in order to be able to eliminate them accordingly. Normally, immune cells that react to endogenous substances are sorted out. In autoimmune diseases , this control process is disrupted – the immune system turns against its own body.

Systemic lupus erythematosus is triggered by an immune response against DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA is a kind of blueprint from which the code for all proteins in the body is read. It is present in almost all cells of the body, which is why the symptoms of lupus erythematosus can appear in a wide variety of places. Researchers are still investigating why the immune system attacks DNA. It is assumed that many different factors have to come together. These include, for example, environmental influences, hormones and a genetic predisposition for the development of an autoimmune disease.

Symptoms of lupus erythematosus

Even if the possible symptoms of lupus erythematosus are very varied, those affected usually only have a few at the same time. Possible complaints are:

• General symptoms: General symptoms occur in approximately 95% of people with lupus erythematosus. These include fever , chills, exhaustion, weakness, weight loss or, more rarely, swelling of the lymph nodes.
• Muscle and joint problems: Lupus erythematosus can cause joint inflammation, which in some cases can lead to deformities. Muscle inflammation is also possible. Muscle and joint problems are among the most common symptoms of lupus erythematosus and almost 90% of patients see a doctor for the first time because of joint pain or swelling.
• Skin changes: The typical skin changes have given lupus erythematosus its name, but are not always present. Lupus comes from Latin and means “wolf”. Since the disease could not be treated well in the past, scars developed that were compared to wolf bites. Typical of lupus erythematosus is a butterfly-shaped reddening of the nose and cheeks with sparing of the nostrils. The skin is particularly sensitive to light and the skin symptoms often develop after exposure to the sun or are aggravated by the sun. The scalp can also be affected by lupus erythematosus, which can lead to hair loss . Other manifestations such as bright red bumps with scales or small pimples are also possible.
• Organ problems: Lupus erythematosus can affect many different organs and lead to specific symptoms there. Blood flow to the heart muscle can be restricted by vascular inflammation or inflammation of the pericardium or the pulmonary membranes can occur. In addition, neurological changes such as depression , a tendency to epileptic seizures or strokes can occur. Together with the neurological changes, it is primarily the kidney involvement in lupus erythematosus that determines the prognosis. Clumps of antibodies and DNA are deposited in the fine filter units of the kidneys, impairing their function.

How does a disease with lupus erythematosus progress?

Lupus erythematosus usually progresses in phases , which means that phases of increased disease activity alternate with phases of freedom from symptoms. In the calm phases, however, it is also possible that minor signs of illness will persist. The intensity of flare-ups generally decreases with age, they become less frequent and less severe.

Since the disease progresses very differently in most patients, it is not possible to reliably predict the course. Organ complaints must be treated more intensively than the underlying disease itself, since these ultimately determine the prognosis. Above all, infections, diseases of the cardiovascular system due to the inflammation of the vessels and the involvement of the kidneys are the major construction sites of this disease.

diagnosis

Because the symptoms of lupus erythematosus can vary widely, it can be difficult to even suspect that it might be the disease. Autoimmune diseases are caused by antibodies that react to very specific proteins in your own body. If these are found in the blood and match the clinical picture, the diagnosis of lupus erythematosus can be made. It is also important to consider other rheumatological diseases in the clarification, as these often occur in combination.

When should I go to the doctor?

If you suspect you have lupus erythematosus, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to avoid secondary organ damage. Unfortunately, lupus erythematosus does not heal on its own, which is why long-term specialist care is necessary.

What can I do myself if I have lupus erythematosus?

If you suffer from lupus erythematosus, you should discuss with your doctor exactly what you can do to minimize your risk of recurrence and to relieve the existing symptoms. Because every case is different, the actions you should take can vary greatly. However, there are some things that can be helpful for most patients with lupus erythematosus:

• Protection against light: In the case of lupus erythematosus, the skin is very sensitive to light. UV light can trigger a fresh boost, sometimes even the light behind a pane of glass is enough. For this reason, consistent UV protection through clothing and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 20 is not only important on vacation. Patients should strictly avoid direct exposure to the sun and solariums.
• Cardiovascular system: Lupus erythematosus increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The risk factors such as high blood pressure and increased blood lipids should therefore be treated as early as possible, since increased blood pressure also has a negative effect on the kidneys. In addition, smoking should be strictly avoided, as it not only puts a heavy strain on the cardiovascular system, but can also worsen the course of lupus erythematosus.
• Bone density: In order to prevent reduced bone density, it is important to eat a diet rich in calcium and, if necessary, to supplement with vitamin D.
• Healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle with sufficient exercise, a balanced diet and, ideally, a normal weight is particularly important for lupus erythematosus. Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals should be ensured, for example through a colorful mix of fruit, vegetables, salads, wholemeal bread and dairy products.
• Avoid infections: Infections can cause flare-ups, which is why they should be avoided as much as possible. Of course, it is not always possible to prevent infection from others, but you can keep the risk as low as possible by taking hygiene measures such as regular hand washing and appropriate hygiene for others when sneezing and coughing. Vaccinations also play a major role here.

Therapy of lupus erythematosus

Since every person can be affected differently by lupus erythematosus, a single therapy method cannot do justice to all patients and must be adapted on a case-by-case basis. Therapy should be tailored to the appropriate disease symptoms and stage.

Since lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease, therapy focuses not only on the affected organs but also on the immune system. Depending on the stage of the disease, therapy starts with anti-inflammatory non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and can extend to severe immunosuppression. If classic immunosuppressants are not sufficient to get the disease under control, new drugs, biologics , can be used to specifically intervene in the disease mechanism.

Here’s how Med-Healths can help

Since it can be difficult to summarize the various symptoms of lupus erythematosus in one clinical picture, you can get an initial assessment of your symptoms in a patient consultation with a doctor at Med-Healths. Even if direct treatment via Med-Healths is not possible, our doctors can, if necessary, issue you with a referral to a specialist practice, which can further investigate the cause of your symptoms with a physical examination and blood test.