Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys. It is of special interest to me because my wife has the disease, and so do many of my patients. Here are some facts to help understand the disease:
- it is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and tissue damage
- it is chronic and last a lifetime
- it is not contagious--it can't be caught or given away
- it is not like or related to cancer
- it is not like or related to HIV or AIDS
- it can cause a mild skin rash or achy joints, or can effect internal organs
- it is unpredictable, as symptoms can appear, disappear or change
- it can be mild or life-threatening and requires treatment by a physician
- with appropriate medical care, most people with non-organ threatening lupus lead a full life
Source: Lupus Foundation of America
Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309
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