What are the Causes of Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease whereby the body, suffering from autoimmune illnesses, fights against other tissues in the body, such as the skin, kidneys, joints, and heart. In lupus, it is the immune system that usually protects the body against infections that attack the healthy tissues and thus cause inflammation, pain, and damage to a number of organs.

Knowing the causes of lupus is a basic knowledge area since understanding the cause will help in the detection, care, and treatment of the disease. Though the cause of lupus is still unknown, several reasons can predispose someone to the condition. These include genetics, environment, hormonal imbalances, and abnormalities in the immune system.

Causes of Lupus

Here are some major causes of lupus:

Genetics

Genetics is one of the major predisposing factors to lupus. Scientists hypothesize that specific genes may increase the probability of acquiring this disease. However, it is important to note that having a first-degree family member diagnosed with lupus does not mean you are predisposed to the disease. You can only heighten your chance of getting the disease if you are exposed to certain environmental triggers.

Environmental Triggers

Environmental factors can be the precipitating influence in initiating lupus in someone who already has predisposing genetic factors. The most common ones are the following:

• Sunlight (Ultraviolet Light): Ultraviolet light exposure may induce sun-ray-induced skin rashes or flare-up lupus-like symptoms in some individuals.
• Infections: Some viral infections can stimulate the immune system and initiate lupus.

• Prescription medications: Some prescribed drugs can cause drug-induced lupus, including blood pressure medicines, antibiotics, and anticonvulsants. In this case, lupus will disappear once the medication is stopped.
• Stress: Psychological or physical stress can further weaken the already weakened immune system, and it may contribute to lupus flare-ups.
• Smoking: Various researches have shown that smoking can cause lupus or worsen the disease in some patients.

Hormones

It is also thought that the causative role of hormones, especially estrogen, is involved in the disease. More women than men have the disease, and symptoms often flare during times of hormonal change, like menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. Estrogen may affect the immune system, making women more prone to lupus.

Immune System Abnormalities

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that it is caused by an aberrant immune response. In patients with lupus, the immune response is pathologic in the sense that it proceeds with an attack against the body’s own tissues. The etiology of this aberrant immune response is multifactorial involving both genetic, environmental as well as hormonal precipitating factors.

Infections

Some germs may be involved in the development of lupus. For instance, evidence suggests that people who are diagnosed with lupus are at greater risk of contracting the Epstein-Barr virus, an infection responsible for mononucleosis. Other infections associated with an impairment of immunity may increase the risk of the disease.

Drugs

Certain drugs may lead to drug-induced lupus. For most patients, drug-induced lupus is a transitory condition that goes away when they discontinue the drug. Some of the drugs include:

• Hydralazine: It is used to treat hypertension.
• Procainamide: It is utilized to treat abnormal heart rhythms.
• Isoniazid: It is used to treat tuberculosis.

Other Risk Factors

Other risk factors that can possibly cause lupus include the following:

• Age: Lupus predominantly strikes anyone in the age range of 15 to 45.
• Gender: Women are generally more prone than men, but lupus definitely does not discriminate against men.
• Race: This condition is also common to people of the African, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American race.

Also Read: Are You Suffering from Arthritis?

How Does Lupus Work Inside the Body?

Lupus can cause various forms of attack on different parts of the body, therefore, multiple symptoms. The most common symptoms of lupus are:

• Fatigue: People who have lupus feel that they never get enough rest.
• Joint Pain and Swelling: Lupus causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, mostly in hands, wrists, and knees.
• Butterfly-Shaped Rash: Lupus is accompanied by a butterfly-shaped rash that stretches across the cheeks and nose. Other rashes may be seen on other parts of the body as well.
• Kidney Inflammation: This causes inflammation and scarring of the kidneys. The most common complication is kidney failure.
• Heart and Lung Inflammation: This is characterized by inflammation of the heart or lungs, coupled with chest pain and shortness of breath.

In case one develops any of these, a rheumatologist in Karnal should be consulted as soon as possible, as the disease can be cured easily with early diagnosis and treatments.

About Dr. Anil Chauhan – Rheumatologist in Karnal

If you feel like you have lupus or any form of autoimmune disease, it will be a good idea to go see the right specialist who will be able to administer the proper diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Anil Chauhan is a celebrated rheumatologist in Karnal, well-trained in the diagnosis and treatment of lupus and many other autoimmune diseases. He has quite a number of years of experience dealing with patients suffering from this condition while putting his skills into focus on symptom management for the sake of improving the quality of their lives.

The approach of Dr. Chauhan includes the following:

• Early Diagnosis: Diagnosis of lupus with the use of advanced diagnostic tools and treatment initiation.
• Customized Treatment Plans: Elaborate treatment option with an outline of special needs and symptoms of the patient.
• Patient Education: Education of the patient about his or her condition so that he or she can deal with it in the most efficient way possible.

Individuals suffering from lupus can receive the best treatment from a rheumatologist in Karnal, such as Dr. Anil Chauhan, to manage the disease and lead productive lives.

FAQs 

Q. Is lupus hereditary?

A. Lupus can be hereditary, but that does not necessarily mean that when one has a family member who is suffering from lupus, they must also contract it. Genetic predisposition tends to increase the likelihood in conjunction with other environmental influences.

Q. Can lupus be cured?

A. There is, at present, no cure for lupus, but the condition can be controlled, and its severity may be decreased.

Q. Who is at most risk of developing lupus?

A. Lupus develops more commonly among women as compared to men. It usually happens in people between the ages of 15 and 45 years. It also occurs more frequently among African, Hispanic, and Asian people.

Q. Can stress trigger lupus?

A. Actually, stress can cause a weakening in the immune system and make lupus flare up. Stress management is very crucial for someone to control lupus.

Q. How is lupus diagnosed?

A. Diagnosis of lupus, sometimes known as systemic lupus erythematosus, should include a blood test, urine tests, and a physical check-up. It would be best to visit a rheumatologist in Karnal or a type of specialist, in order to diagnose and treat the patient with lupus properly.

Q. What is drug-induced lupus?

A. Drug-induced lupus is a presentation of lupus as an effect of some drugs. It is usually transient and resolves after withdrawal of the drug.