Lupus 101
What is Lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune condition. In a non-autoimmune person, immune cells can recognise that our own body cells are “self” and know not to attack it. In autoimmune conditions, there is this lack of “self” recognition. This means it mistakes its own body cells as foreign invaders – because, well, that’s the job of the immune system, to fight off foreign invaders. This leads to inflammation and swelling as the immune cells attack their own cells. In Lupus, this is specifically an issue with the T cells. And for this reason, the immune system is rouge, rather than under or over functioning. The T cells are rogue and don’t recognise their own “self” cells.
Types of Lupus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – as the name suggests, is a systemic condition. This form of lupus is the most severe. Symptoms range from the iconic butterfly rash, sun sensitivity, skin rash, joint aches and pains, swollen joints, prolonged fatigue, hair loss, seizures, mouth and/or nose ulcers. This condition can also “attack” organs and in severe cases lead to organ failure. When SLE attacks the kidneys, it is also known as Lupus Nephritis.
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a type of lupus that involves the skin. I generally present as a discoid/round, scaly, thick rash. This rash generally appears on skin that is exposed to the sun.
Drug-induced Lupus – is as the name suggests, induced by chronic use of some drugs. It is still an autoimmune disease. Symptoms include joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, and inflammation of the lining of the heart and lungs.
What can cause and contribute to the development?
There are many things that contribute to the onset and flare of the condition.
Genes certainly have a part to play in the development of the condition, often there is a familial link to other autoimmune conditions. However, there is no specific gene responsible and just because a family member has an autoimmune disease, does not mean you will develop lupus or another autoimmune disease.
Other contributing factors include:
UV rays
Certain medications
Viruses
Physical and/or emotional stress
Trauma
Certain hormones such as oestrogen
Signs and symptoms
Sun sensitivity
Skin rashes such as a butterfly rash
Ulcers – mouth, and nose
Arthritis – joint pain, swelling, tenderness
Hair loss
Hair thinning
Signs of organ involvement
What can be done to help
From a medical perspective, there are many different treatment options available to help prevent flares and manage flares when they arise.
From a naturopathic perspective, there are many ways to prevent the severity and instance of flares, and work alongside your medical professional to reduce the severity of flares.
Ways we can do this include:
Reducing inflammation
Modulating the immune system to reduce the risk of cells “attacking self-cells”
Managing stress and other known triggers to reduce the risk of flares
Improving nutrient status – certain nutrient deficiencies can impact the immune function negatively and thus correcting deficiencies will assist in providing balance and improving immune function
Addressing underlying gut health issues – inflammation, dysbiosis, and increased intestinal permeability
Yours in harmony and health,
Rachael xx
