Lupus Alert Day is April 1

How often have you fallen for an April Fool's prank? We laugh it off knowing that it's just part of the day. But there's a disease that acts as if every day is April 1, and it is no joke. The disease is lupus, and it's a real prankster. Unfortunately, too few people know about this confusing and potentially fatal disease.

Lupus is a devastating autoimmune disease that can fool patients and doctors alike. The Lupus Foundation of America has designated April 1 as national Lupus Alert Day and urges all Americans to become familiar with some of the disease's warning signs.

About 1.4 million Americans - mostly women - suffer from lupus, which causes the immune system to become hyperactive and attack the body's own tissue. Once called "the great imitator" because lupus symptoms mimic other illnesses, it also fools victims by going into periods when there are no symptoms present. It can be hard to diagnose.

Often a person's family is fooled because the person with lupus shows few physical signs of the chronic illness. Some people are accused of being hypochondriacs.

Medical researchers do not fully understand what causes lupus, and a cure remains elusive.

Common symptoms of lupus include achy, painful or swollen joints for more than three months; unexplained fever over 100 degrees lasting more than a few days; persistent, extreme fatigue, exhaustion and weakness even after a restful sleep; skin rashes, especially in the shape of a butterfly across the nose and cheeks; sensitivity to light; pain in the chest on deep breathing.

If left untreated, lupus can cause life-threatening damage to vital organs. While there is no cure for lupus, the disease can be controlled through a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.

To receive of copy of "The Lupus Quiz" and a brochure about the disease, call the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter at 713-529-0126 or 1-800-458-7870. For additional information about lupus, visit the web site at www.lupustxgcc.org or e-mail the Foundation at lupushou@hern.org.

Who gets lupus? Most victims of lupus (90 percent), are women and lupus disproportionately affects African Americans, Asians, Latinos and Native Americans. Lupus most often strikes during the child-bearing years. Is lupus a fatal disease? Lupus is not generally a fatal disease, and most people with lupus will live a normal life span. However, complications from lupus can cause death. Lupus is a debilitating disease, with one in five people with lupus on permanent disability. Is there a cure for lupus? No, lupus is a chronic, incurable disease. Treatments are available and vary depending on the organs affected by the disease and can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, anti-malarials and cytotoxic or immuno-suppressive drugs.

THE LUPUS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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