Lupus Overview and Causes
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary issue in lupus?

  • The body produces too many antibodies.
  • Environmental factors overwhelm the immune system.
  • Genetic predisposition leads to hormone imbalance.
  • The immune system attacks the body itself. (correct)

Which factor increases the likelihood of developing lupus?

  • Increasing age
  • Being male
  • Having a family history of autoimmune diseases (correct)
  • Living in rural areas

What is a key hormonal factor associated with lupus?

  • Insulin sensitivity
  • Testosterone levels
  • Estrogen and prolactin levels (correct)
  • Thyroid hormone levels

What environmental factor may contribute to the onset of lupus?

<p>Exposure to sunlight (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic has a higher prevalence of lupus?

<p>Younger women of color (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some common symptoms of lupus?

<p>Fatigue and a butterfly rash (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of medication used to manage lupus?

<p>Antimalarials (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor is mentioned as having a higher occurrence of lupus in women?

<p>Increased levels of estrogen (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of untreated lupus?

<p>High blood pressure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended characteristic of the lupus support group mentioned?

<p>In-person meetings and online forums (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lupus occurs when the body's immune system attacks itself.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lupus is less common in women compared to men.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Exposure to sunlight can trigger lupus symptoms in some individuals.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hormones such as estrogen and prolactin play no role in the development of lupus.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Genetics can increase the chance of developing lupus by 20%.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Women have a lower chance of developing lupus than men.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Medication is used to suppress the immune system in lupus treatment.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The malar rash associated with lupus appears only on the chest.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

NSAIDs are used to control pain and inflammation in lupus treatment.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All individuals with lupus will experience kidney damage.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Lupus

A condition where your body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs.

What triggers Lupus?

Lupus is triggered by a combination of factors, including genetics, race, hormones, exposure to viruses, sunlight, certain medications, and smoking.

Genetic Predisposition

Having a higher risk of developing Lupus due to inheriting specific genes.

Hormones and Lupus

Hormone levels, especially estrogen and prolactin, can influence the development and severity of Lupus, especially in women.

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Lupus and Race

Lupus is more common in women of certain ethnicities like African Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans.

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Causes of Lupus

Lupus can be triggered by a combination of factors, including genetics, hormones, environmental exposures, and infections. Certain genes may increase susceptibility, while hormones like estrogen and prolactin, viral infections, sunlight, medications, and smoking may contribute to its development.

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Lupus Symptoms

Common symptoms include arthritis, fatigue, a characteristic butterfly-shaped rash across the face, swollen joints, and fever.

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Treating Lupus

Treatment aims to control inflammation, reduce symptoms, and prevent organ damage. This often involves medication, including NSAIDs, antimalarials, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants, depending on the severity of the case.

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Living with Lupus

With appropriate treatment, most individuals can live a relatively healthy and normal life despite Lupus. However, some may experience complications like kidney damage, seizures, or heart problems.

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Genetic Predisposition to Lupus?

Having a higher chance of developing lupus due to inheriting specific genes. It involves both susceptibility genes and lack of protective genes.

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Environmental Factors and Lupus

Exposure to viral infections, sunlight, certain medications, and smoking can trigger or worsen lupus.

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What is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where your body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs.

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Who is more likely to get Lupus?

Women are more likely to develop Lupus than men, especially women of certain ethnicities such as African Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans.

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Common Lupus symptoms

Lupus can cause symptoms like arthritis, fatigue, a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, swollen joints, and fever.

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How is Lupus treated?

Lupus is treated with medications to control inflammation and suppress the immune system. These can include NSAIDs, antimalarials, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants.

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Study Notes

Lupus Overview

  • Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks itself.
  • Lupus affects approximately 5 million people worldwide.
  • May is Lupus Awareness Month.
  • Lupus is not contagious, it's not associated with HIV/AIDS or cancer.
  • There's no single blood test to diagnose lupus.
  • Lupus classification includes 6 classes.
  • Proper care allows a full life for people with lupus.
  • Lupus can mimic other diseases because it is a great imitator.
  • 90% of people with lupus are women.

Causes of Lupus

  • Genetics: A 20% higher chance if lupus is present in the genes; this involves a combination of genes that make someone more susceptible, and a lack of protective genes.

  • Race: Lupus is more common in women of colour.

  • Hormones: Women produce more estrogen, and prolactin throws a certain inflammatory pathway off balance.

  • Environment: Exposure to viral infections, sunlight, certain medications, and smoking.

Symptoms of Lupus

  • A skin rash, called a malar or "butterfly" rash, appearing on the face across the nose and cheeks.

Treatment for Lupus

  • 1. Medication to suppress the immune system

  • 2. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to control pain and inflammation.

  • 3. Antimalarial drugs to reduce lupus flares.

  • 4. Corticosteroids to control inflammation.

  • 5. Immunosuppressants for severe cases.

  • People with lupus can live healthy and mostly normal lives if they take treatment. Possible complications include kidney damage, seizures, memory problems, heart problems, blood clots, low blood cell count, and inflammation of tissues and blood vessels.

Possible Disabilities Associated with Lupus

  • Vision loss
  • Hearing loss
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Heart conditions
  • Depression
  • Diabetes

Support Groups

  • Lupus SK Society Inc.: Located in Saskatoon, SK, Canada. They offer in-person support and online resources.
  • LupusConnect: Offers online forums, in-person meetings, and access to health professionals. LupusConnect is located in Washington, D.C.
  • Lupus Warriors: This group is a Facebook forum.
  • Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus: Offers in-person meetings and resources to help find a cure.

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Description

Explore the multifaceted nature of lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide. Learn about its causes, symptoms, and the importance of awareness in managing the condition. This quiz delves into the genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors linked to lupus.

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