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Healthwatch: October is Lupus Awareness Month
Story Number: NNS031003-04
Release Date: 10/4/2003 9:55:00 AM
By Aveline V. Allen, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease, can affect the skin, joints, blood and kidneys. According to the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) more than 16,000 Americans develop this disease every year.
For many, lupus is a mild disease that affects only a small number of organs. But others may experience serious, and at times life-threatening problems.
Symptoms include achy joints, fever over 100 degrees, prolonged or extreme fatigue, skin rashes, and anemia, according to the LFA. Diagnosing lupus is difficult, as symptoms may come and go.
“The patient’s medical history combined with a careful physical examination is extremely important,” said Capt. Richard M. Keating, rheumatologist, Naval Medical Center San Diego. “A variety of basic and specialized tests that evaluate the immune system are obtained if the suspicion for lupus is raised. Lupus should never be diagnosed on the basis of laboratory tests alone.”
Once diagnosed, there are varying forms of treatment, depending on the symptoms. According to the LFA, for the majority of people with lupus, effective treatment can minimize symptoms, reduce inflammation and maintain normal basic body functions.
Basic steps to help ease the symptoms of lupus include:
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure, and use sunscreen to prevent skin rashes caused by light sensitivity.
- Exercise regularly to prevent muscle weakness and fatigue.
- Keep immunizations current to protect against infections.
- Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Stop smoking.
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
- Schedule regular medical checkups.
Although this disease is often referred to as a ‘woman’s disease’, men are also affected. It can strike at any age. According to the LFA, people of African, American Indian and Asian origin are thought to get the disease more frequently than caucasians.
More information on lupus can be found at www.lupus.org.
For related news, visit the Navy Medicine Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/mednews.
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