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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is the most common type of lupus. SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0junqD4BLH4

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People with SLE may experience a variety of symptoms that include;

fatigue

skin rashes on cheeks and nose, which is called a “butterfly rash”

fevers

pain or swelling in the joints

Hair loss

Blood clotting problems

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1. Physical examination by a doctor to check for typical signs and symptoms of lupus.

2. Screening techniques to help the doctor come to an informed diagnosis include;

blood tests

Chest X-ray

urinalysis

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Genes

Environment

SLE may be triggered by too much sunlight, bacterial and viral  infections, being around smoke or chemicals.

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Prognosis : 80-90% of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life span.

There is no cure.

1. Medications to manage symptoms.

2. Education.

3. Lifestyle remedies.

4. Dietary recommendations from doctor.

5. Photoprotection is vital: patients with SLE should avoid direct sun exposure.

6. Alternative medicine: acupuncture and taking supplements containing the hormone “Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)”  along with conventional treatment may help reduce lupus flares.

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1. We should be aware of signs and symptoms

2. Education: Patient education, physical and lifestyle measures and emotional support play a central role in the management of SLE.

3. Exercise is beneficial for patients with SLE because it decreases their muscle weakness . Graded aerobic exercise programs are more successful than relaxation techniques in decreasing the fatigue levels of patients with SLE.

4. Energy Conservation.

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Mood/Anxiety Tracker: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5fa381bf1842591729f16e68/t/61159fde8c97ac3ad5f002b3/1628807134960/Mood+Anxiety+Journal.pdf

Podcasts:

Lively Living with Lupus - Lydia Romero Johnson

Lupus Science & Medicine Podcast - BMJ Group

Youtube channels:

Life After Lupus - Brenda Bergen

Walk a Block for Lupus - Kelowna

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Lupus affects more than 5 million people worldwide.

1 in every 1000 Canadians is affected.

Women are affected 9-13 times more than males. In children, this ratio is reversed, and males are affected two to three times more often.

Studies have indicated that although rare, lupus in men tends to be more severe.

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In Canada, there are government support programs for people living with lupus or taking care of a family member with lupus that can be found on lupus Canada website.

In BC, we have the BC Lupus Society and you can become a member online, sign up online for the virtual support group or call Toll free: 1.866.585.8787.

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-Lupus Foundation of America, national resource center on Lupus: Prognosis and life expectancy.

https://www.lupus.org/resources/prognosis-and-life-expectancy#:~:text=With%20close%20follow%2Dup%20and,it%20will%20not%20be%20fatal.

-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Systemic_Lupus_Erythematosus

-BC Lupus Society: https://www.bclupus.org/

-Mayo  Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365790

⁻https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/facts/detailed.html
-https://www.healthline.com/health/systemic-lupus-erythematosus

⁻https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=19783

Pictures
-https://www.healthline.com/health/systemic-lupus-erythematosus
-https://medicdrive.org/lupus/
-https://www.medindia.net/patientinfo/systemic-lupus-erythematosus
- https://www.physio-pedia.com/Systemic_Lupus_Erythematosus

⁻https://www.nscc.ca/programs-and-courses/programs/plandescr.aspx?prg=OTPT&pln=OTAPTA
-https://www.bclupus.org/