What is Lupus? Lupus Definition

 

With Everyone Asking “What is Lupus?” Lately…. Here is a Simple Lupus Definition


Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. The body’s immune system normally makes proteins called antibodies to protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens. In an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances (antigens) and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against “self.” These antibodies, called “auto-antibodies,” react with the “self” antigens to form immune complexes. The immune complexes build up in the tissues and can cause inflammation, injury to tissues, and pain.
For most people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems. More than 16,000 Americans develop lupus each year. It is estimated that 500,000 to 1.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with lupus.
(Information from the Lupus Foundation of America)

©2024butyoudontlooksick.com
  • Nicole Lascurain

    Hi,

    First off, I came across your site and wanted to say thanks for providing a great resource to the lupus community.

    I thought you might find this infographic, which displays the effects of lupus on the body,interesting and helpful for your readers:http://www.healthline.com/health/lupus/effects-on-body

    Naturally, I’d be delighted if you share this embeddable graphic on http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/lupus-information/lupus-definition/ , and/or with your followerson social. Either way, keep up the great work !

    All the best,

    Nicole

    Nicole Lascurain • Assistant Marketing Manager

    p: 415-281-3130 | e: [email protected]

    Healthline • The Power of Intelligent Health

    660 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

    http://www.healthline.com | @Healthline | @HealthlineCorp

    Healthline.com is a trusted health information resource for over 30 million people. All content undergoes a rigorous editorial process. Learn more about Healthline at: http://www.healthline.com/health/about-healthline

  • AHJ is seeking partner blogs in the medicine genre. AHJ is a medicine content site which owns over three thousand of high quality health videos. We are looking for individuals who are interested in submitting content to our website. Come contact us at our contact page on our web site.

  • Nadine

    this definition of lupus is the very reason why The Spoon Theory is the greatest thing ever invented to REALISTICALLY define the disease….again thank you Christine and all the other “spoonies”

  • Pingback: Confessions of an Unapologetic High-Maintenance Spoonie | But You Dont Look Sick?()

  • I had to use your words yesterday as I am in a flare,lupus, Sjogren’s,and now Intercostal Neuralgia,and have finally got a doctor who is preared to work with me.Went in yesterday in acute pain,which I figured was either pneumonia or pleurisy,turned out to be the latter.Went down to the drug store for meds and cutomer there asked how I was.Upon being answered with “Lupus, and its clan ” the answer I got from her was, “But you don’t look sick.”
    So glad to finally get a doctor who knows that I am not complaining just for complainings sake.Unfortunately,I live in Saskatchewan, Canada,where many test results are “fixed,” so that the illness cannot be recognized as such.Peculiar that I tested positive in one other province for lupus and hypothyroid,and also in Saskatchewan way back in 1988.Another test not being recognized as positive is Lyme disease.States and provinces near us have quite a few positive cases,but not here.Thanks for these daily letters,it is good to know that someone else cares. Hafren