Women’s health: understanding lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease and it’s most prevalent in women. The reasons behind this gender disparity in lupus are not yet fully understood, but hormonal, genetic and immunological factors may all play decisive roles.
The worrying thing about lupus, beyond its own symptoms, is that if a woman has lupus she may have an increased risk of developing other health problems, such as heart disease or osteoporosis. These additional health concerns are often related to the chronic inflammation and immune system dysfunction that characterises lupus..
Signs and symptoms
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs in the body. This can lead to inflammation, pain and damage to various parts of the body.
Common symptoms include joint pain, skin rashes, fatigue, fever and photosensitivity. However, it can also cause more severe issues like kidney problems, heart and lung complications and neurological symptoms.
What happens if I have symptoms?
Diagnosing lupus can be challenging because its symptoms tend to mimic other medical conditions and, of course, symptoms can vary from person to person. If you suspect you might have lupus or are experiencing symptoms that concern you, ask your doctor for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
They will take a detailed medical history, including information about your symptoms, family history and any known risk factors. They will also perform a physical examination to assess your overall health and look for signs of lupus, such as skin rashes, joint pain and organ involvement.
Depending on your symptoms and the results of initial tests, your doctor may recommend other tests, such as urine tests to check for kidney involvement and imaging studies like X-rays or ultrasounds to assess organ damage.
Pregnancy and lupus
Women with lupus can have successful pregnancies, but they are considered high-risk pregnancies. If you are planning a pregnancy, start getting all the relevant information and learn how to manage a pregnancy if you have lupus.
What treatment do I need for lupus?
Treatment for lupus often involves a combination of medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Your specific treatment plan will depend on the severity of your lupus diagnosis.
It goes without saying that taking care to live a healthier lifestyle can also help in managing this condition. This includes getting enough rest, managing stress, protecting your skin from the sun and staying physically active.
Potential food culprits that make lupus worse
- Too much salt can make you retain water and worsen issues like high blood pressure or swelling, which can be linked to lupus.
- Drinking alcohol might not go well with lupus medications and could harm your liver. It can also mess with your sleep and make you feel more tired.
- Fast food and processed snacks often have lots of salt, trans fats and chemicals that can cause inflammation and harm your overall health.
- Eating too much fatty red meat can make inflammation worse and increase the chance of heart problems, which can be a worry if you have lupus.
- Put down the sugary treats and soft drinks; these culprits up the risk of diabetes.
- Some studies suggest that having too many Omega-6 fats and not enough Omega-3 fats in your diet can cause inflammation. It's good to balance these fats.
- Some people with lupus may struggle with vegetables like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants which could possibly make joint pain and swelling worse. Test and eliminate for yourself if necessary.
- Taking high doses of supplements like echinacea or alfalfa might make your immune system more active and could worsen lupus symptoms. It's smart to ask your doctor or pharmacist before using them.
Good to know
Diagnosing lupus can take time because it involves a range of tests and observations. Talk openly with your doctor, share your symptoms and ask as many questions as you need. Please don't try to diagnose or treat it yourself! This condition needs professional treatment.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.