D.O.D #7 - Lupus

flat to slightly raised rash

very sensitive to sunlight/ultraviolet light -> can burn easily

abnormal redness of skin or mucous membranes due to inflammation

“butterfly-shaped”

measures how quick/how fast RBC settle in a test tube in 1 hour

0-10mm/hr -> normal 11-99mm/hr -> inflammation (RBC stick together and fall faster) inflammation can indicate: allergic, arthritis, overly active immune system

protein in the urine

blood in the urine

allergic reaction from inflammation

highly specific anti-body for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

produced when immune system fails to distinguish “self” and “non-self” cells; measures amount of antibody to double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the blood

yes, lupus is auto immune; meaning the immune system attacks the healthy tissue in your own body

antibodies attach to normal cells = WBC attacks them as if they were antigens

“butterfly rash,” arthritis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, pleurisy (pain from deep breathing (outer lining of lungs are inflamed)), lupus nephritis; flare-ups of symptoms may be caused by photosensitivity occurs when the immune system attacks different parts of the body

joints become inflamed or swollen

fingers become cold and turn blue/white

pain from deep breathing (outer lining of lungs is inflamed)

when WBC makes antibodies that attach to DNA from worn cells; attachment = immune complex that can lodge in kidney’s and cause inflammation

extreme fatigue, headaches, fever, anemia, swelling of legs, feet, hands, and skin (around eyes), muscle pain and weakness, hair loss

reduced number of RBC in the blood

“the great imitator” because it has many symptoms that are in other health problems

no, there is NO CURE

avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen outside

Anti-inflammatory drugs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-malarial drugs, Immune system suppressing drugs: Corticosteroids