World Lupus Day is observed each year on May 10 to raise awareness about Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause damage to virtually any part of the body.
In an autoimmune disease, the immune system malfunctions. It cannot tell the difference between pathogens and healthy tissue and creates antibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue.
Lupus symptoms
Depending on if Lupus is mild, moderate or severe, it can cause inflammation of the joints, skin and even vital organs. Severe lupus can cause irreversible damage to the heart, lungs, brain or kidneys.
No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have mild disease characterized by episodes — called flares — when signs and symptoms get worse for a while, then improve or even disappear completely for a time.
The most common signs and symptoms include:
Fatigue
Fever
Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
Butterfly-shaped rash on the face or rashes elsewhere on the body
Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Dry eyes
Headaches, confusion and memory loss
What causes lupus?
Currently, Doctors are unsure what causes the disease. However, some of the potential triggers include viral infections, sunlight, certain drugs and even puberty. Lupus has no cure yet, but it can be managed through medical treatment and lifestyle changes.
Why is World Lupus Day celebrated?
The potentially fatal disease affects over 5 million people around the world. While some demographics develop lupus more often than others, it can be seen in people across different age groups, genders, races, and ethnicities. Women are more at risk for contracting this disease than men. Awareness of Lupus, however, is still low. Therefore, World Lupus Day is held each year to educate people about the condition.
According to the World Lupus Federation which sponsors World Lupus Day, the annual observance is meant to focus on improving healthcare services, bolstering research into the causes of and the cure for lupus, earlier diagnosis and treatment.
The Federation is a group of lupus patient organisations from around the world. Its efforts are aimed at strengthening global initiatives that are working to raise awareness and understanding of lupus. It also provides education and services to patients and advocates on their behalf.
