1.5 Million Americans Live With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of lupus, affects at least 1.5 million Americans, according to the American College of Rheumatology. This chronic autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack the body, leading to a range of symptoms and requiring careful management.
SLE, also known as lupus, can impact various body systems, including the skin, joints, and internal organs. Common symptoms include severe fatigue, joint pain, headaches, and Raynaud's phenomenon, where fingers and toes change colour in the cold. Rashes across the nose and cheeks, known as the 'butterfly rash', are also common. Diagnosis involves a combination of blood tests, urinalysis, and chest X-rays, as there's no single test for SLE.
Treatment focuses on easing symptoms and may include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, and antimalarial drugs. These help manage flare-ups, which are periods of worsening symptoms. Between flare-ups, symptoms may improve or even disappear, but SLE is a chronic condition that requires long-term management.
With no known cure, managing SLE involves a balance of medication, regular check-ups, and understanding the disease's cycles. The American College of Rheumatology estimates that at least 1.5 million Americans live with diagnosed lupus, with many more undiagnosed cases. Research continues to uncover more about SLE's causes and potential treatments.
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