Systemic lupus erythematosus, ie SLE, is an autoimmune disease that can damage various parts of our body, especially the skin, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Scientists tell us that this disease is found mostly in women.
The systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is chronic and is autoimmune. In this disease, our immune power, which helps protect us from bacteria, viruses, etc., works opposite to our body and damages our body parts.
Systemic lupus erythematosus has been known since the early twentieth century. Systemic, which affects various parts of the body, is the word lupus used in the Latin language for wolves, and in SLE, the redness of the butterfly shape seen on the patient's face resembles the white stripe on the wolf's face. In Greek, "erythematosus" means red and the word is used in SLE due to redness of the face.
The exact cause of this disease is not known. It is not a disease of untouchability and does not spread from one to the other. Scientific clues suggest that it is an autoimmune disease in which the immune power of our body is not differentiated between outside enemies such as bacteria, viruses and our body parts. It is able to create contaminants against the body, which causes damage to our body by an ignition vehicle. It burns hot, red, swollen or touched. If the body remains ignited for a longer time, it can affect its function by damaging that organ. Therefore, in this disease, medicines are given to work the ignition.
In addition to the cause found in the environment, there may be genetic or genetic reasons for this immune power malfunction. Hormone changes occurring in adolescence, staying longer, viral fever and many medicines can also cause this disease.
The disease can take weeks, months or even years to emerge completely. Being tired quickly, having body pain, feeling of mild fever sometimes or every day, loss of weight, loss of appetite etc. There are early symptoms.
Over time, various symptoms are found in this disease, most of the effect is seen on the skin and mouth. Redness can occur due to various spots or scars on the skin. There may be blisters inside the nose or in the mouth. In children 1/3 to 1/2 of them, a reddish stain of the butterfly is seen on the cheeks and nose. In some children, excessive hair loss is seen. White, blue and reddish hands also appear in the cold. It is seen in the disease (Raynaud Phenomenon). Joint stiffness or swelling, muscle aches, blood loss, quick bruising, lightheadedness, chest pain or seizures are also seen in this disease. The effect on the kidneys is seen in children and the effect on the kidneys indicates the intensity of the disease.
High blood pressure, loss of blood or protein in the urine, swelling on top of eyes, face and feet are the main symptoms of kidney effect.
SLE is diagnosed by a health care provider using symptom assessments, physical examination, X-rays, and lab tests. SLE may be difficult to diagnose because its early signs and symptoms are not specific and can look like signs and symptoms of other diseases.1 SLE may also be misdiagnosed if only a blood test is used for diagnosis. Because diagnosis can be challenging, it is important to see a doctor specializing in rheumatology for a final diagnosis.
