There are four main known types of lupus which are Systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, Discoid lupus erythematosus or DLE, Drug-induced lupus and Neonatal lupus. The diagnoses of these vary from one disease to the other. Lupus is a disease that has many symptoms which very commonly get mistaken for other problems. This is because symptoms can include rashes, fevers, ulcers in the mouth, hair loss, anaemia and pains in the chest which could be symptoms of many other illnesses such as vitamin B deficiencies, allergic reactions, thyroid problems and even heart disease. There is no single test for because of this broad range of symptoms.
Lupus may be very difficult to diagnose because of the vast range of symptoms which can also lead to it going unnoticed. A diagnosis of SLE can consist of taking a history of symptoms, blood tests and other tests on organs such as the kidneys. The cause of lupus is unknown but it looks as if it is genetic combined with triggers such as stress, injury or illness. The disease may be very active and then go into periods of remission which also makes it evasive.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease. It causes antibodies and inflammation which attack the body and destroy healthy tissue. It also causes pain and damage to vital organs sometimes.
There are continued studies on Lupus. One study performed on mice was carried out with nontoxic therapy using small synthetic peptides (protein) to create T cells which regulate the illness by locking it. Another study published online in Clinical Immunology, the journal of the Federation of Clinical Immunology consisted of thirty lupus patients were studied using special peptides in low dosage and it found the peptides blocked and reduced auto-antibodies. They also generated T cells. Ten active lupus patients participated in this study and 20 in remission. As a control for the study fifteen healthy patients contributed and their blood samples were also cultured with these peptides.
These studies have found that peptides can work a bit like a vaccine because they boost the immune system of those people with Lupus which in turn served to put the disease in remission. In the past Lupus was treated in some country’s using steroids and Cytoxan. These drugs have toxic side effects which can affect fertility and the immune system.
Lupus sufferers can keep positive and hold hope as there is much ongoing research for this disease. There are also many natural ways to boost your immunity which can be discussed with your natural practitioner which will help in your handling of Lupus. The best way is to work with both your doctor and natural therapist if you have many varied symptoms but no clear answer for what is causing them all. Together, these two professionals can help get your health back on track and hopefully give you the answers you need so you can begin to heal.
