| This autoimmune disease is one where the | | | | There is no cure for lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, |
| autoimmune system in the body fails to an extent. | | | | however it is important to keep in mind that there |
| How this happens is that the body becomes unable | | | | are several forms of treatment that would help a |
| to identify the difference between the healthy | | | | patient lead a normal life and resume daily activities. |
| tissues in the body and a virus or bacteria. Therefore, | | | | As hard as this may seem at first, with time and |
| instead of producing antibodies to attack these | | | | effort, you will learn to get back to your normal |
| bacteria, the antibodies produced attack the healthy | | | | ways in spite of the diseases. To help you cope with |
| tissues in the body especially around joints and | | | | this there are several support groups based on the |
| organs, resulting in various complications. | | | | age group to help the patient deal with stress, and |
| It is common knowledge that lupus affects more | | | | emotional and psychological effect of the illness. |
| women than men. Many researchers say this is due | | | | Joining a support group has several advantages as |
| to the hormone estrogen in the female body. It is | | | | the patient suffering from similar problems would |
| thought to be a hereditary disease, but can also be | | | | have the chance of meeting several other patients |
| triggered by external factors that cause the | | | | and could be motivated to lead a normal lifestyle. One |
| autoimmune system to function in this manner. The | | | | may often get very frustrated and lose his/temper |
| real cause is yet to be identified. It is also common | | | | and be very stressed as a result of all that comes |
| among young children. | | | | with the pain. |
| There are several types of lupus and the symptoms | | | | You need to keep in mind however that when it |
| may vary from person to person. The symptoms | | | | comes to lupus rheumatoid arthritis, simply going for |
| may include shortness of breath, loss of appetite, hair | | | | regular checkups and taking prescribed medication is |
| loss, fever, fatigue and most importantly rashes on | | | | not enough. You too would need to make an effort |
| the skin or sores in the mouth. Although these | | | | by asking your doctor what sort of diet you need to |
| symptoms can also relate to other diseases, going to | | | | follow to reduce the severity of your symptoms and |
| a doctor as soon as you notice them would help the | | | | also make other necessary changes in lifestyle to |
| doctor diagnose the problem with the help of a few | | | | accommodate the disease and the fact that it could |
| tests and often a few physical examinations. Lupus is | | | | impede some of your work. Once you learn to |
| known to affect major organs in the body such as | | | | accept this, dealing with rheumatoid arthritis will |
| the heart and the kidneys and can also with time | | | | become relatively easy. Always talk to a close friend |
| affect your central nervous system. | | | | or member of your family if you have any problems. |