Educational Lupus Information - Part 4

Systemic lupus is a disease that can affect many parts of the body. A lupus symptom that is active for a while is called a lupus flare; if the symptoms go away for a period of time, it's referred to as remission. Some doctors prefer to use the term "quiescence," which means a quiet period, instead of the word remission.


Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus require both medical treatment for controlling their dysfunctional immune system (immunosuppressant medications), and for overcoming the diseases generated by Lupus. People with Lupus are very susceptible to bacterial infections and need continuous medical treatment with antibiotics. Many patients with Lupus also suffer from lung disease (tuberculosis, pneumonia) and cardio-vascular diseases and need medical treatments with antihypertensive medications and anti-inflammatory drugs. Although there are various medical therapies and treatments available nowadays, patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus can be affected by the disease for their entire lifetimes. The evolution and the chronic character of Lupus resemble HIV, both involving dysfunctions of the immune system and high susceptibility to other diseases.

While people with discoid lupus erythematosus mostly present recurring skin disorders, patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus can develop a wide range of diseases: cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, pneumonia, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the musculoskeletal or nervous systems.

Becoming overtired or feeling as though your stress level is building up.Having more frequent or higher fevers than usual.Aching in your muscles, or more painful and swollen joints.The development of a rash.The development of any symptoms you have not had before.

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 This information is for"informational purposes" and is not meant to be used for medical diagnosis. Always consult your physician on matters such as this.