De-mystifying a Mysterious Disease Called Lupus

Though many people have not even heard of Lupus, it is common - more common than some well-known diseases such as multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and leukemia. But because not much is known about the disease, treatment of lupus is made more difficult. What is lupus, exactly? Diagnosis and treatment of lupus(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Lupus.html) is made more complicated by the fact that currently, there is no one single test that can positively identify the disease. In fact, lupus is often mistaken for other diseases with some similar symptoms, such as multiple sclerosis or arthritis. In fact, lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the body essentially "turns" on itself. When this happens the body creates antibodies that attack the body rather than protect it. Lupus(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Lupus.html) sometimes only affects a single area of the body. Some of the most common areas to be affected are: # Lungs: lupus can cause inflammation of the lungs' lining, which can lead to pneumonia or pleuritis # Kidneys: Inflammation of the kidneys can be caused by lupus, and this inflammation can lead to nephritis. The onset of nephritis is usually not accompanied by pain, so the lupus may not be detected. # Heart: Chest pains, and subsequent hardening of the arteries, may be caused by lupus # Blood: Anemia and inflamed blood vessels can result from lupus. Lupus can often be identified by a rash on the body, most often on the face. Sunscreen can help to treat this rash. Some medications for other illnesses can trigger attacks, so this should be kept in mind in the treatment of lupus. Flu shots are recommended for lupus treatment, as they can prevent secondary infections which commonly occur in those with lupus. Other suspected triggers of lupus are dental fillings and hair dye, though there is no conclusive evidence of this. Because fear and anxiety may be triggers of lupus attacks, discontinuing use of certain products believed by patients to trigger attacks may be beneficial, even if these substances do not truly affect the body physiologically. Natural Treatment of Lupus(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Lupus.html) A healthy diet containing necessary vitamins and nutrients, as well as regular exercise, are most effective in the prevention and treatment of lupus. Other kinds of meditative or calming activities, such as breathing exercises, can be effective in lupus treatment and can prevent skin flare-ups.

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