Lupus (also known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE) is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect any part of the body. It occurs when patients' immune systems attack their own bodies' cells and tissues, resulting in chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
Lupus most often causes inflammation in the nervous system, skin, joints, blood vessels, liver, kidneys and heart. The cause of lupus is unknown, and the condition varies in severity from patient to patient. Lupus presents in often unpredictable patters, with periods of activity (flares) alternating with symptom remission. There is currently no cure for lupus. Lupus occurs more often in women than men. There is no known cause for the condition, however some studies suggest it has a genetic link, while others have purposed environmental triggers including certain medication usage, extreme stress, exposure to UV light (sunlight), hormones, and infections from viruses or bacteria. Lupus is treated by controlling its symptoms with immunosuppresants and corticosteroids (Prednisone). Because lupus has a wide-range of symtoms and presents differently in patients, it can be misdiagnosed. While the exact number of people living with lupus is unknown because there have been no large-scale studies done in the U.S., it is known that more than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the U.S.
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