What causes the disease?
Although the cause of lupus is not known, there is a genetic predisposition to developing an autoimmune disease such as lupus. The disease can first become evident when it is triggered by something in the environment, such as an infection, medication, or sun exposure. But most of the time we cannot identify the specific trigger for an individual patient. Sex hormones may contribute to the onset of the disease.
Understanding autoimmune diseases
The immune system is the body's normal defense system against foreign or non-self invaders, such as infections from the environment or tumors from within the body. A normal immune response includes making antibodies and causing inflammation in an effort to rid the body of the foreign intruder. For example, when you are first exposed to chicken pox, your immune system will produce antibodies or proteins to fight the infection. The chicken pox antibodies protect you against having the infection a second time when you are exposed to the virus again.
An autoimmune system breakdown
The autoimmune responses in people with lupus are not regulated properly, and they produce antibodies and inflammatory responses that are mistakenly directed against their own tissues. This mixed up reaction can occur in any organ, so recognizing the range of problems seen in lupus patients can be difficult and confusing. It is best to work with a specialist who can de-code the disease symptoms.
Four Forms of Lupus
There are four different forms of lupus, and each affects the body differently.
Drug-induced lupus: The most common form of lupus in older individuals is induced by drug exposure. It usually causes only a brief illness if the offending medication is identified and discontinued.
