Lupus

In the world today, there are many different types of autoimmune diseases, one being LUPUS. This disease is when your own body’s immune system attacks your body’s healthy organs and body tissues. There is no known cause of lupus but it has been suggested that it can be due to your genetics and environmental conditions together. Some triggers that effect this autoimmune condition can be seen as sunlight, infection and medication. As with a lot of other autoimmune conditions the inflammation in the body can affect many different body parts and organs.

No two people suffering with Lupus will experience the same signs and symptoms, some people can easily deal with the symptoms as the degree is very mild and for some sufferers with more sever degree of symptoms it can be a debilitating disease. Although there are a variety of different symptoms of Lupus, there is one distinct facial rash that many, not all, of the suffers have. This rash has been described as looking like the “wing of a butterfly, unfolding across both cheeks”. Along with the different varying degrees of symptoms that sufferers might experience, these symptoms may come on suddenly and then disappear or they could be permanent.

Some of the more common symptoms of Lupus besides the facial rash:

• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fever

These symptoms are also common symptoms of other autoimmune conditions and there is no simple test for Lupus but rather a series of different tests before a diagnosis can be made. There also is no cure for the disease but rather the treatment of symptoms that they might suffer.

EXERCISE is not only allowed but also advised with a majority of autoimmune conditions providing there is approval from your specialist doctor. Exercising with a qualified biokineticist is highly advised. There are so many befits of doing low-impact, gentle exercise when you suffer with Lupus, these can be seen as:

• Increase in mood and energy levels (Lupus patients are often depressed from the pain and suffering that they endure on a daily basis)
• Improved quality of life
• Decreasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
• Maintain a healthy body weight (being overweight/obese can increase severity and degree of symptoms and flare ups)
• Decrease risk of developing osteoporosis while increasing bone density.

Keeping the body moving, active and strong can help you fight this disease and improve your mobility while decreasing your joint pain. You just have to listen to your body when it says “slow down”, “take it easy”, pushing yourself to the limit when you are a Lupus sufferer means that you can do more harm than good.