So, what is lupus? The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) disease is an autoimmune disease that affects the body’s immune system. It has also been shown that a combination of genes, hormones and environmental factors can cause symptoms to occur. At this time, there is no known cause or cure for SLE, but there are ways to cope and minimize irritation. There are several other circumstances under which symptoms can be triggered:
- at puberty
- after childbirth
- through sunlight
- during the menopause
- after viral infection
- as a result of trauma
- after a prolonged course of medication
SLE Lupus Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person, but there are many SLE symptoms that are common to all lupus disease patients. Certain drugs or infections can cause symptoms. Some of these symptoms include:
- fatigue and exhaustion
- aching and/or swollen joints
- lupus rashes on body and facial areas
- fever
Is Lupus Contagious?
Lupus is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another through contact or even by exchanging bodily fluids. The actual cause is unknown, but the origination and SLE has been identified within the body’s immune system. Various studies have shown that some aspects of SLE are hereditary and are genetically inherited.
Is Lupus Fatal?
Lupus isn’t usually fatal. Those that carefully manage their symptoms and maintain a healthy lifestyle generally live long, productive lives. SLE is a condition and has symptoms that may come and go or come, go and never return. Regardless of the intensity of the disease’s activity, there have been very few cases where lupus was deemed the cause of death, but it is not unheard of. Lupus itself doesn’t cause death, but it creates a situation where infection overwhelms the body and the immune system is inadequate to respond. A high level of sanitation and lupus treatment can almost always help avoid fatality.