Lupus

Also known as systemic lupus erythematosis, is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any organ or tissue in the body, though primarily the skin, lungs, joints, kidney, heart, blood, and brain. Classic symptoms include a butterfly shaped rash on the face, arthritis, inflammation of the lining of the lungs and heart, and kidney disease. There may be extreme sensitivity to the sun, sores in the mouth, hair loss, and swelling in the joints.  If the lining of the heart or lungs are affected, there may be chest pain or shortness of breath.  There are periods of remission and symptom flares.  Symptoms may change over time.  There is currently no cure.  Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, preventing organ damage, and restoring normal function by use of drugs to suppress the immune system.  Steroids like prednisone are commonly used.  Many medications are the same used after organ transplants.  The down side is that these medications which suppress the immune system expose the patient to increased susceptibility to infections and other potential side effects, such as weight gain, hair loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, depression, and change in physical appearance. Lupus affects primarily young women of all ethnic backgrounds.  Rates are about 10 times lower in men.