What Is Lupus? A Complex Autoimmune Disease with System-Wide Impact
Lupus, formally known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This abnormal immune response can lead to widespread inflammation, affecting the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood cells.
Lupus is often unpredictable — symptoms may flare up and then subside, and its course can vary dramatically between individuals. While anyone can develop lupus, it disproportionately affects women, particularly those of African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American descent. Most diagnoses occur between the ages of 15 and 45.
Because lupus mimics many other illnesses and has a wide variety of symptoms, it is sometimes called “the great imitator.” It is a lifelong disease with no current cure, but with modern treatments and ongoing clinical research, many people with lupus are now living longer and healthier lives.
Immune deficiencies occur when the body’s immune system is unable to mount an adequate defense against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These conditions can be either inherited (primary immunodeficiency) or acquired later in life (secondary immunodeficiency) and often leave individuals vulnerable to frequent, prolonged, or severe infections.
Primary immune deficiencies are typically genetic and can manifest in childhood or early adulthood. Examples include Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), and Selective IgA Deficiency. Secondary immune deficiencies may result from factors like chemotherapy, certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids), HIV infection, malnutrition, or chronic diseases such as diabetes or cancer.
While some immune deficiencies are mild and manageable, others can be life-threatening. Fortunately, advances in immunology and clinical research are opening new doors for better diagnosis, treatment, and long-term health management.
Common Symptoms of Lupus
Lupus symptoms can be vague, episodic, and vary in intensity. Some individuals experience mild symptoms for years, while others face rapid disease progression. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing long-term organ damage.
Common Signs and Symptoms Include:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- Skin rashes, including the classic “butterfly rash” over the cheeks and nose
- Sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
- Mouth or nose ulcers
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Low-grade fevers or flu-like symptoms
- Chest pain during deep breaths (pleurisy)
- Kidney problems (protein in urine, swelling in legs)
- Neurological symptoms (headaches, seizures, confusion)
Lupus symptoms often worsen during flare-ups, which can be triggered by infections, stress, certain medications, or prolonged exposure to the sun.
