Lupus

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease which causes inflammation of various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys. The immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances (antigens) and its own cells and tissues.

TYPES OF LUPUS
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Discoid lupus: This type is limited to the skin. It is identified by a rash that may appear on the face, neck and scalp. It is diagnosed by examining a biopsy of the rash. Discoid lupus generally does not involve the body and internal organs.
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Systemic lupus: Systemic lupus is usually more severe than discoid lupus. Systemic lupus can affect almost any organ or system of the body. It is characterized by periods of remission that alternate with times when the disease flares.

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Drug-induced lupus: This occurs after the use of certain prescribed drugs. The drugs most commonly connected with drug-induced lupus are hydralazine ( used to treat high blood pressure or hypertension ) and procainamide (used to treat irregular heart rhythms). Only about 4 percent of the people who take these drugs will develop the antibodies suggestive of lupus.

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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LUPUS:

bulletAchy joints

bulletFever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit

bulletArthritis

bulletProlonged or extreme fatigue

bulletSkin rashes

bulletAnemia

bulletKidney involvement

bulletPain in the chest on deep breathing

bulletButterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose

bulletSun or light sensitivity

bulletHair loss

bulletRaynaud’s phenomenon (fingers turning white and/or blue in the cold)

bulletSeizures

bulletMouth or nose ulcers.

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TEACHING TIPS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LUPUS:

bulletLow impact aerobics such as swimming, walking, bicycling, and water exercises are recommended.

bulletUse exercises that build range of motion such as dance.

bulletUse exercises that will strengthen the muscles around the joints.

bulletPlan stretching exercises and isometric exercise.

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ACTIVITIES THAT ARE CONTRAINDICATED FOR MOST INDIVIDUALS WITH LUPUS:

bulletJumping activities and activities that may encourage falling (jumping rope, skating, football).

bulletSitting for long periods of time.

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Links

Extensive Lupus Links and information from About.com

Hamline University Lupus Homepage

Lupus Foundation of America

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
http://www.nih.gov/niams/

Colorado Health Net
http://www.coloradohealthnet.org/lupus/

Information Sheet Home

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Information on this sheet contains only suggested guidelines. Each person must be considered individually, and in many cases, a physician's written consent should be obtained.

This page was written by Andrea Woodson, Ph.D. Student in Adapted Physical Education, Texas Woman's University, November, 1999.