Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common rheumatic disease that can affect multiple systems and organs and has a recurrent course. It occurs in women of childbearing age.
What are the causes?
Multiple systems can be affected
The cause is unknown. It may be related to infection, immune disorders, endocrine disorders, etc.
What are the symptoms?
1. Edematous erythema on both cheeks
2.Fever, malaise, loss of appetite, general malaise, hair loss, erythema of the fingertips, Boldnox’s sign, recurrent oral ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, joint pain, muscle aches, weight loss, etc.
3. Arthritis and arthralgia are more common, but usually do not cause joint deformity.
4. Lupus nephritis and proteinuria.
The disease can invade all systems of the body, so when the disease invades which organ, the corresponding symptoms can appear.
What are the laboratory tests?
Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-ds-DNA), and anti-Sm antibody are more significant for diagnosis.
Routine blood and urine, blood sedimentation, C-reactive protein, liver function and kidney function are commonly done at follow-up examinations.
The clinical diagnosis of SLE is complicated and must be made by a rheumatologist at a regular hospital, not by yourself.
How to treat?
Hormone is by far the main and most effective drug for the treatment of SLE.
In order to reduce the dosage of hormone and increase the therapeutic effect, other drugs can be combined, and the combination is more effective than single use: for example, the combination of leflunomide and hormone can significantly reduce proteinuria, and the combination of Chinese medicine preparation and hormone can also reduce the dosage of hormone, reduce the toxic side effects of hormone, smoothly withdraw hormone and prevent the rebound of the disease. The combination of cyclophosphamide (CTX) and hormones is more effective in the treatment of lupus nephritis, and azathioprine (AZP) is more effective in cases with lung involvement.
Is SLE contagious or hereditary?
SLE has a genetic predisposition, but it is not a hereditary disease and is not contagious to others.
Is SLE only a skin disease?
Some patients have skin lesions as the first symptom. However, SLE is more than just a skin lesion. It can invade all systems of the body and damage several organs.
What foods are not declared to be consumed in excess?
There is no special diet, as long as there are no food allergies _ usually no contraindications. The diet should be light, low in salt, low in fat and high in protein. However, seafood, mutton, dog meat, venison, cinnamon garden, cilantro, celery, spicy foods such as chili, raw onion, raw garlic, etc. should not be consumed excessively. It is best not to smoke sprites and drink alcohol.
Can I use cosmetics?
Some cosmetics contain certain chemical reagents that can induce lupus. There are cases of lupus occurring after hair dyeing or eyebrow tattooing. To avoid the irritating effects of chemicals, it is best not to use cosmetics.
Can I get married and have children?
Patients with lupus can get married and have children to share the joy of life. However, it is necessary to control the progression of the disease during the long-term follow-up by the doctor. The disease should be stable for more than 1 year before considering marriage and childbirth.