Lupus (SLE) - Health in Wales

Condition Lupus (SLE)

Lupus (SLE)

This booklet provides information and answers to your questions about this condition.

What is lupus (SLE)?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of two main forms of lupus. In this booklet we'll explain the symptoms and causes of lupus and how it's treated. We'll also look at what you can do to help manage your condition and suggest where you can find out more.

At the back of this booklet you'll find a brief glossary of medical words ? we've underlined these when they're first used in the booklet.



Arthritis Research UK Lupus (SLE)

What's inside?

2 Lupus at a glance

4 What is lupus?

4 What are the symptoms of lupus?

7 Who gets lupus?

8 What causes lupus?

8 What is the outlook?

8 How is lupus diagnosed?

10 What treatments are there for lupus? ? Drugs ? What about side-effects? ? Other treatments

15 Self-help and daily living ? Managing a flare-up ? Fatigue ? Smoking ? Exercise ? Diet and nutrition ? Sunlight ? Raynaud's phenomenon ? Stress ? Meeting others with lupus ? Contraception ? Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

18 Pregnancy and lupus 19 Research and new

developments 20 Glossary 22 Where can I find out more? 24 We're here to help

At a glance Lupus

Lupus occurs when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues.

There are two main forms of lupus. These are: ? discoid lupus, which only affects

the skin ? systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),

which affects the skin and joints and often also involves the internal organs, including the heart or kidney.

This booklet only deals with the systemic type of lupus.

Lupus occurs when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. It can cause inflammation in many different parts of the body, though most people will only have a few of the possible symptoms.

What are the symptoms of lupus?

Possible symptoms of lupus include: ? joint pain ? a skin rash ? extreme tiredness (fatigue) ? fever ? weight loss ? headaches

? mouth ulcers ? hair loss ? swelling of lymph glands ? colour changes in the fingers or toes in

cold conditions.

Lupus can have more serious complications if the inflammation affects internal organs such as the heart, brain or kidneys. You will therefore need regular check-ups with your doctor for early signs of these complications.

How is it diagnosed?

Lupus can mimic other, more common conditions, so you'll probably have a number of tests before the diagnosis is confirmed.

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Arthritis Research UK Lupus (SLE)

What treatments are there? Lupus can be treated with a combination of drugs, which will vary depending on your particular symptoms. Drugs may include: ? anti-inflammatory drugs ? steroid tablets, creams or injections ? drugs which suppress the overactive

immune system ? drugs to control high blood pressure

and high cholesterol.

How can I help myself? You can help yourself by: ? not smoking ? protecting your skin from strong sunlight ? dressing to keep your hands and feet

warm in cold weather ? resting when your disease is most active

but otherwise taking regular exercise ? pacing yourself and planning

your activities.

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