The worldwide annual observance also concentrates on the requirement for improved patient healthcare services, and increased research into the causes and cure for
; as of now, there is no cure for lupus. This would yield better epidemiological data on lupus globally that would further aid in the earlier diagnosis and treatment of lupus.
). Lupus means “wolf” in Latin, as the disease was so-called in the 13th century because the rash was thought to resemble a wolf bite.
Symptoms vary among individuals and range from mild to severe (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
Go to source
). Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling, fever, chest pain, hair loss, mouth ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, feeling tired, and a red rash that is most common on the face (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
Go to source
).
There are often periods of illness, called flares, and periods of remission during which there are few symptoms (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
Go to source
).The cause of the disease is still not clear. Lupus can be caused by many factors such as changes in hormones, genetics, environmental issues, smoking, and vitamin D deficiency. And as of now, there is no cure for this disease (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
Go to source). But it may be treated with NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, hydroxychloroquine, and methotrexate (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
Go to source), but along with some side effects.
Lupus A Global Issue
Lupus significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the most common cause of death. With modern treatment, about 80% of those affected survive more than 15 years. Women with lupus have higher risk but mostly successful pregnancies (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
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).
The rate of lupus presence varies between countries from 20 to 70 people per 100,000. Women of childbearing age are affected about nine times more often than men. Although it usually begins between the ages of 15 and 45, people of all ages can be affected.
African, Caribbean, and Chinese descendants are at greater risk than Whites. Disease rates in the developing world are still unclear.
History of World Lupus Day
World Lupus Day was first created by Lupus Canada in 2004 to raise awareness of this little-known disease that has devastating effects on sufferers and their families. It was created to increase research funding, provide better services to patients, improve epidemiological data, and raise awareness of the disease.
World Lupus Day is sponsored by the World Lupus Federation, a coalition of lupus patient organizations worldwide, united to improve the quality of life for people affected by lupus (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
World Lupus Day
Go to source). Since then, lupus organizations and scientific explorations around the world have committed to various activities on May 10th each year to raise awareness and educate the public and people about the symptoms and health effects of lupus (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
World Lupus Day
Go to source).
Things to be Done During World Lupus Day
There’s a list of few activities you can participate to raise awareness and funds to end lupus (3✔ ✔Trusted Source
World Lupus Day
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) :
-
Participate in the World Lupus Day social media campaign highlighting the impact of lupus on the body’s organs (3✔ ✔Trusted Source
World Lupus DayGo to source
) -
Wear your favorite purple items to raise awareness and encourage others to donate -
Make a statement by lighting up a significant landmark, monument or building to be illuminated on World Lupus Day in purple in your city -
Share the “lupus facts” images on social media -
Host an event and organize funds for lupus -
Use hashtags like #WorldLupusDay2022, #LupusDay, #WLD2022 on social media platforms. -
Insist the Government to proclaim funding for poor people who are affected by the disease
Things to Know About Lupus
-
Lupus commonly affects your skin, joints, and internal organs like heart and kidney (4✔ ✔Trusted Source
What is lupus?
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) -
Out of 10 people with lupus, 9 are women (4✔ ✔Trusted Source
What is lupus?
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) -
For lupus treatment, use of anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials, biologics, immunosuppressives, and steroids are recommended (5✔ ✔Trusted Source
Treating lupus: a guide
Go to source
) -
65% of people with lupus say chronic pain is the most difficult part of having lupus (6✔ ✔Trusted Source
Impact on Daily Life
Go to source
) -
76% of lupus patients say fatigue caused by lupus has forced them to cut back on social activities (6✔ ✔Trusted Source
Impact on Daily Life
Go to source
) -
89% of people with lupus say they can no longer work full-time due to lupus complications (6✔ ✔Trusted Source
Impact on Daily Life
Go to source
) -
The National Resource Center on Lupus provides information and support for anyone affected by lupus, including people diagnosed with lupus, children and teens, caregivers, health care professionals, and the public (6✔ ✔Trusted Source
Impact on Daily Life
Go to source
).
Let us all raise our voices to fight against the misunderstandings of this disease and to provide a better world for the lupus patients.
On this May 10th, may we all wear purple to indicate that we are in with lupus patients throughout the world.
References:
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
– (https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/lupus) - World Lupus Day – (https://worldlupusday.org/about/)
- World Lupus Day – (https://worldlupusday.org/tool-kit/)
- What is lupus? – (https://www.lupus.org/resources/what-is-lupus)
- Treating lupus: a guide – (https://www.lupus.org/resources/treating-lupus-guide)
- Impact on Daily Life – (https://www.lupus.org/understanding-lupus/impact-on-daily-life)
Source: Medindia
