The Impact of Lupus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Impact of Lupus - Essay ExampleAs Petri puts it, Instead of struggle infection, the immune system attacks self/ the persons normal tissues (qtd. in Meadows 29). An examination of the causes, symptoms and treatment of lupus helps one to better understand the physiological impact the unsoundness has, while a look at families coping with lupus and certain other symptoms enlighten the psychological aspects.Researchers have attempted to combat lupus by pinning down its origin or causative factors but thus far they have been largely unsuccessful. There are many factors that appear to be closely associated with lupus, and a combination of these factors may be responsible for its origin. Experts believe that it develops from complicated genetic and environmental factors. The fact that it is mainly the women who contract this disease and that it is more(prenominal) prevalent in certain races (Asians, Hispanics, and African - Americans) repoint to genetic determinants. Moreover ther e is some evidence that it runs in families. Environmental factors, such as protract exposure to sunlight are believed to trigger dormant symptoms. There have also been account cases of dose - induced lupus, where drugs like hydralazine, procainamide, sulphasalazine, minocycline, may aggravate symptoms or cause similar symptoms in otherwise legal individuals (Hughes 100).Lupus is a complex illness that may focus its atta... The range of severity also varies. Severe forms of the disease are easier to identify than milder forms. Because of the disconcerting array of symptoms, that may not exclusively suggest lupus, physicians are more likely to make the diagnosis when the disease is well advanced. This results in an unfavorable prognosis for the patient. Skin rashes, weakness, and oecumenical fatigue, muscular pain, sudden loss of hair, ulcers, and inflammation of membranes surrounding internal organs are believed to be the just about common symptoms. Patients may also show a hi story of miscarriages and migraine attacks. Lahita and Phillips describe Raynauds phenomenon as a characteristic syndrome, where the toes and the fingers turn red, white, and blue because spasms in their small arteries stop the blood flow (81). Another reportedly common symptom is the malar rash, which spreads across the cheek in the shape of a butterfly. Stress, depression, and psychosis have also been reported as likely psychological symptoms.Treatment of Lupus Since there is no cure for lupus, treatment focuses on containing or controlling the illness. The symptoms are treated and with time it is hoped that the ill effects will recede never to go far back. As the symptoms are so varied, treatment programs are devised in keeping with the particular needs of the individual. stamp down medications as well as lifestyle changes are advocated. Medications are the preferred mode of treatment for unplayful cases. The drugs used in the treatment program include, Non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Antimalarials, Steroids, and Immunosuppressives (Hughes 35). The use of these drugs causes side - effects, which in some cases are worse than the disease itself and endanger the long - term health of the