Lupus is a variable disease that can affect one or multiple organs, including the kidneys, joints, skin and lungs. It can present very insidiously or have a more severe course, says Dr. Natalie Braggs, a rheumatologist affiliated with Memorial Hospital.
That's why its appearances are really different.
Lupus most frequently manifests with rashes, arthritis and fever.
The disease affects more young women of color than anyone else. About 90 percent of the lupus population are women. Most people diagnosed are between ages 15 and 45.
It is a rare disease, though its incidence can vary from 6 to 130 per 100,000 people affected, depending on the criteria used for the diagnoses, says Braggs.
According to the website resources.lupus.org, 1 in 537 young African-American women are impacted by lupus.
If a patient is experiencing some of the symptoms, they should see their doctor for testing. If they are concerned about lupus, a rheumatologist will be the route to go, Braggs says.
Of the four forms of lupus, systemic lupus is the most prevalent.
It accounts for about 70 percent of all cases. In about half of these cases, a major organ or tissue in the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys or brain, will be affected, according to resources.lupus.org.
Other forms of lupus are cutaneous lupus, which affects only the skin; drug-induced lupus, caused by high doses of certain medications; and neonatal lupus, which occurs when the mother's antibodies affect the fetus. The symptoms usually disappear six months after birth with no lasting effects.
Contact Yolanda Putman at yputman@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6431.