Lupus Fact Sheet
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Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of
various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys. The
immune system -- designed to protect the body against viruses, bacteria and
other foreign materials -- produces antibodies that attack the person's own
tissues and organs.
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Because lupus presents in a variety of ways and mimics the symptoms
of other diseases, diagnosis is often difficult. The more common symptoms of
lupus include joint and muscle pain, extreme fatigue, persistent low-grade fever
(less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), "butterfly" rash across the bridge
of the nose and cheeks, weight loss, hair loss, photosensitivity (sun or light
sensitivity), pleurisy (pain in the chest on deep breathing), headache and mouth
or nose ulcers.
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Although the cause of lupus remains unknown, researchers believe
that evidence points to heredity, hormones, immune system dysfunction,
infections (including viruses), or some external environmental occurrence.
Scientists suspect that individuals are genetically predisposed to lupus and
that the disease remains quiet until a trigger sets the disease process in
motion.
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Sunlight, infection, injury, surgery, stress and exhaustion can
trigger lupus "flares" (active states of the disease).
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Only 10% of those diagnosed with lupus will have a close relative
(parent or sibling) who already has or may develop lupus. Approximately 5% of
the children born to individuals will develop the illness.
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According to a 1994 market research study conducted by Bruskin /
Goldring Research, between 1.4 million and 2 million people have been diagnosed
with lupus. This disease is more prevalent than multiple sclerosis, cystic
fibrosis, cerebral palsy, sickle cell anemia and leukemia.
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Lupus ranges from mild to life threatening. Most lupus patients can
control their illness by educating themselves, carefully monitoring the disease,
and adhering to both appropriate medication and complementary therapy.
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New lupus research brings unexpected results and increased hope
each year. With current methods of therapy, 80-90% of those living with lupus
can look forward to a normal lifespan.
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Lupus is NOT infectious, rare, or cancerous.