Lupus disease, known as butterfly disease, is an autoimmune disorder that develops when the immune system attacks the body's own healthy tissues. It is commonly referred to as butterfly disease because of the characteristic butterfly-shaped rash extending from the bridge of the nose to the cheeks. Lupus can affect not only the skin but also the joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain tissue.
What is Lupus Disease?
Lupus is a type of long-term autoimmune disease. It is an autoimmune disease caused by the immune system attacking healthy cells and tissues. This condition can lead to inflammation and damage various parts of the body, especially the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain.
Although lupus can affect anyone, it is more common in women than in men. While there is no definitive cure for the disease, medications and lifestyle changes can help treat and manage the disease.
What are the Types of Lupus Disease?
Lupus is a disease that can be divided into different subtypes, and each subtype can affect different parts of the body or vary in severity.
Types of lupus include:
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
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Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
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Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)
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Neonatal Lupus
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Drug-Induced Lupus
What Causes Lupus Disease?
Although the causes of lupus are not fully understood, a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, hormonal changes, and immune system abnormalities may contribute to the development of the disease.
Causes of butterfly disease include:
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Genetic predisposition
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Sun exposure
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Hormonal changes
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EBV (Epstein-Barr virus) seen in childhood and adulthood
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Foreign substances in the body
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Immune system disorders
What are the Symptoms of Lupus?
Symptoms of lupus can vary from person to person. Flare-ups and remissions can occur periodically. Common symptoms of lupus disease include:
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Butterfly-shaped rash on the face
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Persistent fatigue and weakness
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Joint pain and swelling
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Fever
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Skin redness after sun exposure
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Mouth sores
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Hair loss
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Kidney involvement
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Chest pain
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Vascular inflammation
Even if symptoms are mild, there is a risk of organ damage in the advanced stages. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial.
How is Lupus Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of lupus disease can be made through a combination of a medical examination and laboratory tests. Diagnostic methods used in the process include:
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Blood Tests: Autoantibody tests such as ANA, anti-dsDNA, and anti-Sm
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Urine Test: Can indicate kidney involvement
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Biopsy: Samples from skin or kidney can be examined
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Physical Examination: Evaluation of facial rash, joint tenderness, and skin findings
How is Butterfly Disease Treated?
There is no definitive cure for lupus disease. However, with current medications and lifestyle adjustments, the disease can be managed, and the risk of organ damage can be reduced. Treatment is tailored to the individual and generally involves the following approaches:
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Corticosteroid Medications: Suppress the immune system's overreaction
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Immunosuppressants: Preferred in cases of severe organ involvement
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Antimalarial Drugs (Hydroxychloroquine): Reduce skin symptoms and joint pain
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Pain Relievers and Anti-inflammatories
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Regular Check-ups: Monitoring the progression of the disease and adjusting medication doses
Managing Lupus Disease in Daily Life
In the treatment of lupus, lifestyle changes alongside medications have a significant impact. Managing stress can reduce lupus symptoms. Additionally, as sun exposure can trigger skin rashes, people with lupus should protect themselves from the sun.
Diet plays a supportive role in the treatment of lupus, and a healthy, balanced diet can strengthen the body's overall resistance. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3s can particularly help reduce inflammation. Quitting smoking is also recommended as it may exacerbate lupus symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lupus contagious?
No, lupus is not a contagious disease. Because it is an autoimmune disorder, the immune system targets the person's own tissues, and there is no foreign microorganism involved. Therefore, daily life contact, using the same items, or being in the same environment does not spread lupus disease to others.
Can lupus be completely cured?
Since it is a chronic disease, lupus can be controlled in many people for long periods with the help of medications and regular medical check-ups. Treatment reduces the frequency of flare-ups, prevents organ damage, and improves the quality of life.
What does positive lupus mean?
The term positive lupus refers to the presence of certain autoantibodies specific to lupus in blood tests. When the ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) test and anti-dsDNA test are positive, the likelihood of lupus increases. However, positive test results alone do not confirm a lupus diagnosis. Clinical symptoms and other laboratory findings are also assessed to make a definitive diagnosis by a doctor.
Does lupus affect pregnancy?
Yes, lupus can affect the pregnancy process in some cases. Becoming pregnant while the disease is active can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, or growth restriction in the baby. Therefore, it is important for patients with lupus to plan their pregnancy under medical supervision. Becoming pregnant when the disease is controlled and in a stable period reduces pregnancy complications.