Lupus is a non-contagious disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own organs or systems, explains Dr. Paola Bermúdez Bermejo, internal medicine specialist and rheumatologist at ABC Medical Center.
The cause of this condition is multifactorial and can be linked to a genetic predisposition. Other factors that can trigger the disease include having a viral or bacterial infection, excessive sun exposure, or even exposure to certain chemicals.
Since there’s no single cause for lupus, it’s important to pay attention to the various signs that can appear over the years. Early symptoms are typically related to generalized joint pain; joint swelling or skin changes may also occur, including rashes, spots, or a rash on the face. Mouth ulcers, significant hair loss, weight loss, unexplained fevers, infections, and kidney problems may also appear.
Lupus is a condition in which, across its full spectrum, patients may experience different manifestations throughout their life, ranging in severity.
These symptoms can appear individually or together, and they may develop gradually over the years.
Dr. Bermúdez notes that although this disease can affect people of any age, it’s most common in women between ages 20 and 40, though it can also occur in men.
“Lupus is more common in women than in men; 9 out of 10 people with this disease are women. It’s also more common in people between the ages of 20 and 40, and in Black and Asian populations.”
On the other hand, in Mexico, mixed-race (mestizo) populations tend to experience a more aggressive form of systemic lupus erythematosus, the disease’s proper medical name. This makes early diagnosis especially important.
To diagnose lupus, certain clinical criteria must be met, including both symptoms and physical signs the patient presents with. Lab tests are also performed to analyze the antibodies present in the body and their specific types; blood tests, urine tests, elevated inflammation markers, and other findings all contribute to a scoring system used to reach a diagnosis or suspect lupus.
Once diagnosed, lupus can range widely in severity. Symptoms can be very mild, such as joint pain or a skin rash, but without treatment, the disease can progress to more serious complications affecting the nervous system, kidneys, lungs, or even the heart.
Although lupus is a chronic disease that can only be managed, not cured, thanks to current treatments, it can now be very well controlled, allowing patients to avoid major complications. This is why early diagnosis is so important.
If someone experiences recurring joint pain that hasn’t gone away and doesn’t seem to be related to an injury, that’s an important sign to see a rheumatologist, notes Dr. Bermúdez, to begin a proper evaluation and lab testing.
Today, early diagnosis of lupus allows patients to maintain a good quality of life and continue their normal daily activities.
At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine area, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
