Today, May 10th, we observe World Lupus Awareness Day, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness about lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body\u2019s own tissues and organs, causing inflammation and damage to the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can occur in both men and women and at any age, but it most commonly affects women (about 90% of cases), especially during their reproductive years (between the ages of 15 and 45).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The development and progression of the disease are believed to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Environmental triggers may include viral infections, UV radiation, certain medications (such as antiepileptics and antibiotics), and stress. Diet can also affect the course and expression of the disease\u2014low-fat diets are often recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People with lupus produce a wide range of autoantibodies that target different antigens. These autoantibodies attack components of their own cells (such as nuclear and cytoplasmic components), which can lead to inflammation and damage in various tissues and organs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of lupus vary greatly from person to person, depending on which organs and systems are affected. The most common general symptom is severe fatigue that does not go away with rest. Many patients also experience unexplained fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss. A characteristic sign of lupus is a skin rash, especially the so-called \u201cbutterfly rash\u201d that appears across the nose and cheeks. The skin can become highly sensitive to sunlight, and UV exposure often worsens symptoms. In addition to skin changes, joint pain, swelling, and stiffness\u2014particularly in the hands, knees, and feet\u2014are frequent. Lupus can also affect internal organs, leading to more serious complications such as kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis), chest pain due to inflammation of the heart lining (pericarditis), or the lung lining (pleuritis). Some patients develop neurological symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and in some cases even seizures or psychological disturbances. Anemia and other blood abnormalities, including low white blood cell or platelet counts, are also common in lupus patients. Due to this wide range of symptoms, lupus is often referred to as \u201cthe great imitator\u201d because it can resemble many other medical conditions.\n\nThere is no cure for lupus, but current treatments help reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, limit organ damage, and keep the disease as under control as possible. Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus depends on the severity and phase of the disease. In some patients, the disease is mild or in remission and may not require treatment or only supportive care. During flare-ups or as part of ongoing therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and immunosuppressants are used. People with lupus are advised to maintain a regular and healthy lifestyle, which includes sufficient sleep, stress reduction, avoiding sun exposure and using high-SPF sunscreen, moderate physical activity, healthy eating, quitting smoking, and maintaining an optimal body weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is no cure for lupus, but current treatments help reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, limit organ damage, and keep the disease as under control as possible. Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus depends on the severity and phase of the disease. In some patients, the disease is mild or in remission and may not require treatment or only supportive care. During flare-ups or as part of ongoing therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and immunosuppressants are used. People with lupus are advised to maintain a regular and healthy lifestyle, which includes sufficient sleep, stress reduction, avoiding sun exposure and using high-SPF sunscreen, moderate physical activity, healthy eating, quitting smoking, and maintaining an optimal body weight.<\/p>\n\n\n
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This day is dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigma, and encouraging better diagnosis and treatment.\nWe also want to express our support for everyone living with lupus \u2013 their strength, perseverance, and daily fight remind us of the importance of being informed and compassionate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\ud83e\udd8b Red Butterfly \u2013 Croatian Association for Support and Assistance to People with Lupus<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Red Butterfly Association was founded in 2017 with the goal of providing help and support to people living with lupus. Their main platform is a Facebook page titled Udruga Crveni leptir \u2013 \u017eivjeti s lupusom.\nLink: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/UdrugaCrveniLeptir\/ https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/UdrugaCrveniLeptir\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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