Hyderabad: Lupus is a chronic auto-immune disease which requires in-depth understanding and support towards the affected persons. In this life-altering and fatal disease, the body's immune system, which usually fights infections, starts attacking its healthy tissues and organs. This condition can cause damage to various body organs including skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, lungs, and joints.
May 10th is observed as World Lupus Day all around the globe, as lupus affects everyone without discriminating between nationalities, ethnicities, races, ages and genders. Even though this condition has no boundaries, getting informed about it can help control its impact. People who are unaffected by it are also responsible for doing whatever it takes to fight this unpredictable disease.
The diagnosis of lupus is often difficult due to its symptoms that often mimic other common ailments. But, a major symptom of this disease is a facial rash resembling a butterfly's wings. Its other signs and symptoms are:
- Shortness of breath.
- Consistent chest pains.
- Swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints.
- Fatigue and fever.
- Exposure to cold makes your fingers and toes blue.
- Headaches, confusion and sometimes memory loss.
Also read: World Thalassaemia Day 2023: Strengthening Education to Bridge Thalassaemia Care Gap
According to a recent Global Survey of People Living with Lupus conducted by the World Lupus Federation, 87 per cent of people living with the condition have at least one major organ affected by the disease. The survey was conducted amongst over 6,700 people with lupus from over 100 countries.
Close to three-quarters of participants reported multiple organs affected, and an average of three organs impacted. People reported that the skin and bones were the most commonly affected organs by lupus, and kidneys, digestive system, eyes and central nervous system were among the other top impacted organs and organ systems. Over half the people suffering from the condition were hospitalized due to organ damage and many reported to having irreversible organ damage.
Lupus impacts people's bodies beyond physical symptoms, as respondents who had been through lupus-related organ damage, reported at least one significant challenge in their quality of life, such as:
- Lack of participation in social activities.
- Mental health issues.
- Unemployment caused due to the inability to work.
- Financial instabilities.
- Challenges in mobility or transportation.
People suffering from lupus are often told that they don't seem ill, while in reality, they are battling a fatal disease which can be attacking any organ in their body, and cause countless symptoms and severe health complications. World Lupus Day helps to raise awareness of the challenges people with lupus face every day and brings attention to the need for more support across the globe. The day helps to gather support from people and various government organisations to help fund critical research, education and support services, which will help improve the quality of life of people affected by lupus.
