Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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Blood and urine tests are normally what determines a patient has a case of lupus which is the cause of their medical issues. A blood count measures the number of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets, hemoglobin, and the protein within the red blood cells. An indication of lupus shown within a blood test would be the presence of anemia, which is common with lupus sufferers. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test can be determined by the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube within a given time, usually one hour. Blood tests can also determine how well the kidneys and the liver are functioning and ultimately determine whether a person might have a positive test proving the presence of lupus within the body.

Treatment

While there is no cure for lupus, a determination by a doctor of a diagnosis of lupus has to be made after carefully reviewing their medical history. The doctor will then develop a medical treatment plan according to their symptoms because there are so many signs and symptoms attributed to lupus. The most commonly used methods are preventive measures for photosensitivity with sunscreen and specialized clothing if needed as well as medications used to treat the many symptoms.

The following medication are the most common used to treat lupus: NSAIDs such a naproxen sodium (Aleve), ibuprofen for pain, swelling and fever. Stronger NSAIDs can be prescribed as needed. Antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine can help to control lupus symptoms. Immunosuppresants can be used to suppress the immune system in serious cases, as well as corticosteriods, like prednisone can counter the inflammation, but also can produce long-term side effects.

Summary

After researching systemic lupus erythematosus, I now understand how serious of a condition it is and also now understand how complex of a condition it is. From what it does to the entire body, to how difficult it is to treat, and ultimately how much suffering a person has to go through when dealing with this illness. I never realized that there were four different forms of lupus, or even that treatments can only be used to treat lupus because there is no direct cure of the devastating effects it has on the body. Learning about this condition made me understand how little I actually know about not only lupus, but also all medical conditions and the effort it takes to treat this type of pathological condition.

References

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus). (2017, October 04). Retrieved October 082017, from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus - Genetics Home Reference. (n.d.). Retrieved October 08, 2017, from https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/systemic-lupus-erythematosus

Lupus. (n.d.). Retrieved October 08, 2017, from https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/10253/lupus

D'Cruz, D. P., Khamashta, M. A., & Hughes, G. R. (2007, February 17). Systemic lupus erythematosus. Retrieved October 08, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17307106