Understanding the Autoimmune Disease that Affects Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez, a prominent Hollywood actor and singer emerged as a household name early in her career with her role in Wizard of Waverly Place. Her eclectic music career is only the tip of the ice-berg, as she has dealt with much deeper issues, including Lupus, an autoimmune disorder that affects millions worldwide. In 2015, Selena revealed that she has been living with Lupus for some time. This revelation brought auto-immune diseases to the forefront, creating more awareness and a better understanding of these kinds of ailments. In light of this, let’s take a closer look at autoimmune disease and the Lupus illness, some of its symptoms, its causes and treatment options.
SLE – A Chronic Autoimmune Disease
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is the formal name of Lupus, and it is a widespread chronic autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases happen when the immune system, which ordinarily exists to shield against infections and diseases, cannot distinguish between foreign invaders to the body and healthy tissues, resulting in the immune system attacking the body’s tissues. Fundamentally, Lupus leads to damaging inflammation in different parts of the body, including joints, skin, and other organs.
Symptoms of Lupus
The manifestations of Lupus may differ from person to person, resulting in long-lasting bouts of distress and generally poor quality of life. Lupus symptoms commonly mimic those of other illnesses, which can present a challenge for medical professionals. Common symptoms include:
Skin rashes
One of the leading causes of Lupus being diagnosed is the butterfly rash that starts from the bridge of the nose and spreads across the cheeks. Patients may also experience fever, fatigue and hair loss.
Joints
Lupus causes significant inflammation in different parts of the body, and joint pain is one of them.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
The body’s blood passage to extremities, like the fingers and toes, is invariably reduced, leading to cold, discoloured, painful fingers as a Phemonenom called Raynaud’s
Organ dysfunction
In severe cases, Lupus can cause organ dysfunction, including kidney and heart problems, as well as the onset of depression caused by Lupus complications.
Causes of Lupus
The precise cause of SLE remains unclear, but medical professionals suggest that genetics and environmental factors play a significant role. It is speculated that Lupus sufferers inherit a genetic predisposition to the disease, and that certain environmental triggers can then activate the disorder. Some of the environmental triggers may include:
Sunlight
Exposure to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet radiation can cause Lupus symptoms to flare up.
Infections
Certain infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus, are assumed to increase the risk of developing Lupus disease.
Medications
Some medications can trigger drug-induced Lupus, which is an assimilated form of Lupus induced by medications. Medications such as hydralazine, procainamide, and quinidine can induce drug-related Lupus.
Treatment Options Available for Lupus
Sadly, Lupus is a lifelong illness and there’s been no cure found yet. However, it is possible to treat the condition and manage symptoms so enable the lives of sufferers. Typically, treatment is determined by the patient’s age, extent and severity of particular symptoms, as well as medical history. Some of the treatment options available include:
Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and antimalarial drugs are some of the most common medicines prescribed to help manage Lupus symptoms.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding direct sunlight are recommended to help prevent flare-ups and reduce the risk of organ complications.
Conclusion
Lupus is a complex autoimmune disorder that affects millions of people globally. It is a chronic illness with no cure, but several treatment options are available to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for sufferers. Research has shown that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in mitigating the risk of organ complications and managing other severe symptoms. So, if you have been experiencing any of the symptoms highlighted or suspect that you might have Lupus, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.
