World Lupus Day

May 10, 2022

On the 10^th of May, World Lupus Day is observed annually. This disease fatally affects more than 5 million people across the planet.

What is the aim of this day?

This day is observed with the aim of generating awareness about this autoimmune disease which is also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This disease can affect the skin, brain, kidneys, as well as other organs of an individual. This disease can affect people of all races, nationalities, genders, ethnicities, and ages. This day also puts focus on improving the healthcare services and boosting research about the cures and causes of lupus.

What is the history of this day?

This day was created by Lupus Canada in the year 2004 with the aim of raising awareness about this disease, providing better services to the suffering patients, increasing funding for research, and improving epidemiological data. The World Lupus Federation sponsors this day.

What causes this disease?

The exact cause of this disease’s occurrence is yet unknown but it has been suspected that it is due to certain factors like genes, hormones, and the environment.

What are the symptoms of Lupus?

The symptoms of this disease can come suddenly or it can also develop slowly. It may be severe or mild and can be permanent as well as temporary. Depending on its severity, inflammation of the skin, joints, and vital organs can occur. Severe lupus might also cause irreversible damage to the lungs, heart, kidneys, and brain. This disease’s most common symptoms are:

Fever
Fatigue
Stiffness
Joint pain
Butterfly-shaped rash on the face of the individual or rashes at other parts of the body
Swelling
Toes and Fingers turn blue or white after being exposed to cold or during an individual’s stressful periods
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Headaches
Dry eyes
Memory loss
Confusion

What are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are those due to which the body’s immune system malfunctions. The immune system cannot differentiate between healthy tissues and pathogens and thus creates antibodies that attack the healthy tissues and destroys them.

« Previous Post Next Post »