WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The following was released today
by the Lupus Foundation of America:
Lupus affects more Americans than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis
sickle-cell anemia or leukemia.
Despite its prevalence, about 1.4 million Americans, too few people
know about the disease or its potentially life-threatening health
effects. The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) designated October as
Lupus Awareness Month to call attention to this widespread, devastating
and discriminating disease.
Lupus is a chronic and acute disease that, for unknown reasons, causes
the immune system to become hyperactive and attack the body's own
healthy tissue and organs. Patients may suffer for years before being
diagnosed because symptoms mimic less serious illnesses. Common
symptoms of lupus include achy or swollen joints, fevers, skin rashes,
extreme fatigue and pain in the chest on deep breathing.
Unlike many years ago, most people with lupus can live a normal life
span if they obtain an early diagnosis and receive good medical care.
However, diagnosis can be difficult because symptoms may go into
periods of remission, and there is no single diagnostic test to
determine if an individual has lupus. Another reason for public
misunderstanding about lupus may be the confusing nature of the disease
itself. Lupus is mostly invisible to individuals not afflicted with the
disease. Patients often face accusations of hypochondria, laziness or
worse. However, lupus is a very real and potentially life-threatening
illness.
About nine of every ten people with lupus are female. Lupus affects
African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics and Native Americans more often
than Caucasians. Lupus strikes most frequently during the childbearing
years, between 15-44 years of age. However, both males and females of
all ages can develop lupus. The Lupus Foundation of America urges all
Americans, especially young women in their child-bearing years, to know
the early warning signs of lupus.
Lupus can affect the skin and any internal organ, including the kidney,
brain, heart, lungs muscles, joints, blood, or blood vessels. The exact
cause of lupus remains a mystery, however it is believed to have a
genetic origin with an environmental trigger. No cure exists however
treatments are available. Unfortunately, some treatments may have
serious side effects from long term use.
