Perhaps you've heard of lupus, an autoimmune disorder that impacts around 1.5 million individuals in the United States and 5 million globally, as per the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA).
However, even if you are familiar with it, there's a high probability that your knowledge is limited: A 2019 survey by the foundation indicated that 63 percent of Americans admitted to knowing very little or nothing about this disease.
Moreover, chances are you've come across incorrect information about lupus. The disease is often misunderstood, leading to many myths despite its prevalence. Many people don't completely grasp who it affects most or what triggers it and how treatment works.
Let's debunk six prevalent misconceptions regarding lupus and learn what we should actually believe:
Misconception 1: Lupus is Communicable
Lupus characterizes an immunological disorder whereby its victim's immunity attacks its cells and tissues, which leads to inflammation. Nonetheless, contrary to common belief, lupus is not communicable. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, no autoimmune diseases are contagious.
There is no scenario where lupus can be 'caught' from another individual or communicated to another person through touch or intimacy,” asserts Saira Sheikh(MD), a tremendously well-respected Professor of Medicine at University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill – whose expertise extends across internal medicine, rheumatology and allergy/immunology. Besides her professorial duties at UNC Chapel Hill, she also currently resides on the board of advisors for the Medical-Scientific Council within the American Lupus Foundation.
Professionals in disease research have not exactly pin-pointed what factors lead directly towards contracting lupus; it appears that there may be some influence coming from things like genetics - with significant data indicating that siblings demonstrate a risk factor almost 20 times higher than those from non-familial relationships according to findings derived by Johns Hopkins Lupus Center.. Furthermore hormone imbalances and environmental aspects quotient into these statistical results as well.
Misconception 2: Lupus Only Leads to Tiredness and Aching Joints
A significant amount of misinformation surrounds the symptoms of lupus. The LFA conducted a survey in 2019 where a mere third of participants correctly identified symptoms aside from severe fatigue and inflamed or painful joints.
Indeed, exhaustion and joint discomfort are potential indications of lupus, but this affliction could influence virtually any body part. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there's a considerable range of possible symptoms. Individuals with lupus may suffer muscle pain, persistent high temperatures, chest discomfort, hair fall-out, kidney issues , as well as a "butterfly" rash - just to name some.(There can also be lethal complications on occasion.)
The reality that signs associated with lupus can vary greatly between individuals - plus resemble other conditions - is one key reason diagnosis tends to be challenging. On average it might take six years before someone receives an accurate lupus diagnosis from when they first notice their symptoms according to the LFA.
"Lupus symptomatology often change over time making early-stage disease detection even more difficult," Dr Sheikh says. In his view no two cases are truly alike in terms of how they manifest which he thinks makes this ailment very distinct.
Advice
Should you experience any signs consistent with lupus, it is crucial that you immediately inform your healthcare provider. Although there isn't a definitive diagnostic test for lupus, your healthcare professional can evaluate both your personal health background and family medical history combined with blood and urine tests to come to a determination. More information on the diagnosis approach could be found at CDC.
Myth 3: Lupus Doesn't Affect Men
The belief that lupus generally afflict individuals who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) during their fertile age is common and accurate, yet the associated assumption that it cannot be acquired by those designated as male at birth (AMAB) is mistaken.
Lupus is not exclusive to women. In fact, men, along with children and adolescents can contract the condition too. It's reported by the LFA{target="_blank"} that nearly one out of every ten patients battling lupus are males.
Owing to the widespread misconception surrounding lupus being a females-only disease, many men express shock upon learning they carry this illness which LFA keenly points out. It's key to understand that no demographic is immune from developing lupus, further because specific symptoms might manifest differently in men compared to women.For instance according to LFA data suggests men suffering from lupus tend to present with low count in blood cells more frequently than women; they also show higher likelihood towards having heart-related issues, unexplained shedding of weight and kidney ailment.
As Dr.Sheikh articulates "Just like how women do, there exists potential for males with luposis too develop grievous health complications such as lupos nephritis where kidneys get affected due to Lupos." He further adds " Those enduring lupos nephritis have increased chances of needing hemodialysis or organ transplantf for kidneys; additionally mortality rates among them remain considerably high"
Myth 4: Pregnancy is Impossible If You Suffer from Lupus
The general misunderstanding is that individuals afflicted with lupus shouldn't conceive due to likely major complications. However, Rheumatologist Laura L. Tarter, MD, Director of Pregnancy and Reproductive Health at Brigham, assures this isn't the case. Most women with lupus actually handle pregnancy remarkably well.
It's a fact that all expectant mothers diagnosed with lupus are deemed high-risk by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women's Health. This possibly results in a greater chance for difficulties; however, it doesn't necessarily mean issues will arise.
One common misconception posits that those suffering from lupus have a higher risk for miscarriage; but Dr. Tarter refutes this belief as fallacy too.
Lupus patients might carry Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) which slightly escalates the possibility of miscarriages yet not significantly above rates seen among general population groups . And within these populations where such antibodies exist does not confirm an inevitable miscarriage outcome for all cases either.
A primary concern during pregnancies carrying lupic conditions would involve flares which could cause premature birth incidents but possibilities of flare ups should not deter potential parents wishing to start their families.
Most often than not, when these flare-ups do occur they remain comparatively mild and manageable - while bearing minimal impact through current medical intervention and medication techniques safe enough without affecting expectant mothers negatively – says Dr.Tarter .
So if you're affected by Lupuc illness yet aspire towards beginning your family soonest then always consult your guiding rheumatologist as far possible regarding safe planning options. Team discussions with Rheumatologists can greatly turn odds by placing your Lupus conditions under remission or control for a suitable duration (A Minimum Six Month Period) prior to actual conception while also aiding well in choosing the right medicines accordingly towards effective management of lupuc conditions throughout pregnancy periods.
Myth 5: The Existence of a Lupus Cure
From the LFA's research conducted in 2019, it was observed that about 28% of the sample population interviewed were under the impression that a cure for lupus existed. Even more surprising; 31% conceived that preventative measures against this disease are available.
Lupus, however, is a persistent and lifelong condition. Which regrettably means there isn't any known complete cure or identified methods to decrease susceptibility to it.
Nevertheless, lupus can be kept under control with various medications designed to keep symptoms at bay (details on these provided below).
Misconception 6: Lupus Is a Variety of Cancer
Once again, lupus is categorised as an autoimmune disease and the use of immunosuppressive drugs - such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine among others - are one kind of treatment that can be employed to control this illness.
It's crucial to note though that some treatments used to manage lupus are also utilized in cancer therapies which can lead to confusion when people understand a lupus patient is being "administered with chemotherapy medications".
Dr. Sheikh clarifies; even though there's no relation between lupus and cancer sometimes they both require strong cytotoxic medicines for their management. He furthers states," The immune system plays a significant role in either case but through divergent processes."
Immunosuppressants work by inhibiting the immune machinery so it stops attacking normal bodily tissues. As per the LFA, these drugs are generally prescribed for individuals dealing with severe symptoms of lupus.
However, depending on distinct disease characterizations and accompanying symptoms, your medical team might suggest alternative options like hydroxychloroquine antimalarials or Prednisone steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills
While we clarify that Lupus isn't classified as cancer it's critical to comprehend that having this ailment or using immunosuppressive medication may heighten one's chances of developing cancer later in life observes Johns Hopkins Lupis Center. Hence why working closely with health professionals designing an effective management plan for this disease becomes fundamental since it influences minimising further damage to your body.
Myth 7: Exercising with Lupus is a No-No
You might think that exercising when experiencing joint pain, fatigue and muscle weakness associated with lupus isn't feasible. However, contrary to this common misconception, it can actually be beneficial as long as you have your doctor's approval.
Engaging in regular physical activity could even ease several lupus symptoms. It has the potential to promote cardiovascular health, enhance sleep quality and uplift mood according to LFA.
Commencing your fitness journey through low-impact cardio exercises like walking, swimming, cycling or practising yoga is an excellent idea. Besides these activities for starters, including some stretching routines could aid flexibility and mobility significantly. Moreover, strength training should be considered due to its ability to bolster and assist your joints.
