Early detection and proper line of treatment is stressed as May is being observed as World Lupus Month, to generate awareness on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus -- a chronic, autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and can damage any part of the body including skin, joints, and major organs such as kidneys, liver and lungs.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system turns against it. The anti-bodies target healthy tissues instead of antigens such as viruses or bacteria.
Kerala State secretary of Indian Rheumatology Association Remesh Bhasi says diagnosis is difficult as SLE mimics the symptoms of many other diseases, such as fever and rashes.
Once detected through targeted tests, lupus has to be managed symptomatically because there is no cure, says Dr. Bhasi.
The treatment is basically easing the symptoms with anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine (an anti-malarial drug).
Immunomodulator drugs, which modify the immune system’s response, are also prescribed.
