THE EMERGING THREAT OF LUPUS

Explore the prevalence and growth rates of Lupus in India and ways to tackle this emerging healthcare challenge.

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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), or Lupus, is a complex autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to widespread inflammation and tissue damage. The severity of SLE can vary greatly, ranging from mild to life-threatening.

SLE can present with a wide range of symptoms that vary from person to person. Common early signs include persistent fatigue, joint pain and swelling often in the small joints of the hands and feet, skin rashes such as the classic 'butterfly' rash across the cheeks and bridge of the nose, increased sensitivity to sunlight leading to skin rash or flare-ups, low-grade or recurrent fevers, patchy hair loss or thinning, Raynaud's phenomenon where fingers and toes turn white or blue in response to cold or stress, painful sores inside the mouth or on the nose, chest pain especially with deep breathing or coughing, and enlarged lymph nodes often in the neck or under the arms. It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions, so a diagnosis of SLE requires careful evaluation by a healthcare professional. Early detection and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.