Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus also known as SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, tissue, and organs. SLE is a capricious disease that doesn’t take any one particular course, therefore its very unpredictable. No two people will experience the same disease symptoms or severity level. As SLE progresses there will be periods of very subtle to no symptoms called flares. Normally the body is protected by the immune system. When the immune system detects an unwelcome visitor such as fungi, bacteria and or viruses the bodies natural reaction would be for the immune system to seek and destroy these invaders. With people who suffer from lupus it causes a reverse affect the immune system it malfunctions and no longer has the ability to distinguish normal antibodies from the invaders called antigens. The body fights against itself, launching an attack on the bodies own tissues, blood cells, joints and vital organs. According to recent studies, 90% of people suffering from Lupus are young women in their childbearing age. However, children, older men and women can also be affected. The diagnosis of SLE can be a long and tedious process. SLE is diagnosed based primarily on its symptoms and a few blood test, none of which can definitively diagnose the disease. Due to its vast variety of symptoms, distinguishing SLE from similar diseases is very difficult. Laboratory test, spinal taps and biopsies are the most