...Lupus is an inflammatory disease. It attacks your own body, including your immune system and tissue. One of its main and most commonly noticed symptoms is a “butterfly” rash. It spreads across both cheeks and got its name by resembling a butterfly’s wings. Lupus attacks parts of the body including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, hearts, lungs and brain. Unfortunately there is not cure for Lupus. Some people can develop it from certain drug use, others from sunlight. Other times a person is born with more of a tendency to develop Lupus over time that can be caused by certain infections. Although there is no for sure known cause of Lupus there are some ideas behind how it could be triggered. A person’s immune system and environment are a huge part of becoming ill, as well as genetics. A person with a history of Lupus in...
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...The chronic illness focused on in this psychosocial assessment is Lupus. Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease in which the patient’s own immune system causes dysfunction in the body’s tissues and organs. Lupus can cause inflammation affecting one or more different areas of the body such as the joints, kidneys, skin, brain, lungs heart and blood cells. Some individuals are born predisposed to the development of lupus which can be triggered by infections, certain pharmaceuticals and in some cases sunlight. Risk factors for lupus include gender, ninety percent or more people with lupus are female; race: lupus occurs more within African American, Latino, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations than in the white population;...
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...Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes excessive inflammation. About 2 million Americans suffer from it and its cases have been reported from as early as middle age. The disease got its name after the Latin word lupus which means ‘wolf’. It is because the disease causes a classic facial rash that gives the appearance of a wolf. It was a 12th century physician that gave it this name. In this article, we will debunk some common misconceptions around this disease so that its sufferers can manage it better. Number Six: It is contagious or can be transmitted sexually Lupus is not caused by a carrier, i.e. a virus, bacterium or any infectious agent. Hence, it cannot be transmitted from one person to another. It could, however, pass from mother...
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...into contact with someone who has Systemic Lupus Erythematosus whether it was a family member or just an acquaintance. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is considered to be a complex disease, and the cause is idiopathic. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a chronic disease where symptoms can worsen and alternate depending on the condition of the patient’s body. In addition, researchers are constantly investigating the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Although (SLE) cannot be cured patients can still live a normal life. Thus, this research will explore Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and answer the following questions: 1. What is the cause of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? 2. What is the diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? 3. What are the symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? 4. What is the treatment for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? Hence, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus disease can never be cured it can become well maintained if the patient chooses to live a healthy lifestyle. What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? What is the Cause of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? There is no exact cause of Systemic Lupus...
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...Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is considered one of many immune system disorders(5). SLE is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects many parts of the body through an autoimmune process(2). A natural immune system creates antibodies to fight antigens which are harmful substances such as viruses and bacteria. Whereas in SLE, the immune system does not differentiate between the natural tissues of the body and the foreign particles(5)(6). Auto-antibodies are produced that mistakenly attack the immune system itself and cause inflammation and damage to various body tissues(6)(7). The disease course is marked by remissions and relapses and may vary from mild to severe. Just like many immune system disorders,...
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...the Lupus Foundation of America who develop research to solve the mysteries of lupus in patients throughout the United States. Lupus is an inflammatory disease which causes the immune system to attack itself. One of the reasons why I have dedicated myself to bringing awareness to this disease is because I was diagnosed with SLE lupus in 2011. Since being diagnosed I’ve had two kidney biopsies which resulted in lupus affecting my kidneys. When I was first diagnosed with lupus I felt frightened, nervous, and overwhelmed and it was not until I began researching more on the chronic disease that I learned about the Lupus Foundations of America and the achievements and advancements they have accomplished to help patients like myself with Lupus....
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...Abstract There are four types of lupus, systemic lupus erythematous, discoid, drug-induced, and neonatal lupus. Systemic lupus erythematous, also known as SLE or lupus and is sometimes called the “great imitator” due to the fact that it mnemonics so many other diseases. Family practice offices often misdiagnose lupus due to lack of symptoms at the time of visit, patients being poor historians and lab work that is inconclusive at that time. Discoid lupus affects only the skin and causes rashes and lesions mostly of the face, neck and scalp. During drug-induced lupus the person will experience lupus like symptoms. These symptoms usually resolve within six months after the drug is stopped. Individuals with drug- induced lupus may have a positive Antinuclear Antibody test more years after the episode. Neonatal lupus occurs when a child is born to a women with lupus. The infant may have lupus symptoms including rashes, anemia and liver problem which usually resolve within a few months. Some infants born to mothers with lupus may have serious heart defects. For the purpose of this paper the focus will be on systemic lupus erythematous. Systemic Lupus Erythematous Systemic lupus erythematous is a complex multisystem autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system misfires and makes autoantibodies that attacks its own tissue. Lupus affects as many as 1.5 million people in America. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2007) Women are more commonly affected...
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...Personal Impact Paper Anissa Spada Rn May 3, 2012 NUR427 Laurie Baumgartner RN, MSN, CNS, NP, CCRN Introduction This paper will examine the chronic disease of lupus. A big portion of information in the paper comes from a patient Anna. The areas of her life that are affected by the disease , and the motivators for lifestyle change are discussed. The education of Anna regarding the disease and learning model theory will be examined. What is Lupus? Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease. The immune system fights off invaders in the body. The body develops antibodies to protect from invaders. The immune system affected by lupus cannot tell the difference between good and bad tissue. This process causes the immune system to attack itself. There are many different types of lupus. The type Anna has is cutaneous and systemic. Cutaneous affects the skin. Systemic lupus in her case affects the joints. Cutaneous lupus causes skin rashes/lesions. The most familiar rash is the butterfly rash. The rash occurs on the bridge of the nose and across upper cheeks. Systemic lupus cause the joints become painful and inflamed. Anna The interview with Anna was held over a couple of days. Anna was diagnosed a year and a half ago with lupus. Anna believes that she has had the disease for longer than a year and a half. The rashes that she experienced had been occurring since she was...
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...The Lupus Foundation of America approximates that there are around 1.5 million Americans affected by a form of lupus (Rooney 54). There are two main factions of lupus: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE). The popular depiction of lupus as a disease associated with lesions and superficial symptoms is not necessarily an accurate portrait. Although Lupus Erythematosus gets its name from the Latin word lupus (wolf) because the lesions resembles the pattern of a wolf bite, the most common form of the disease is SLE which does not require lesions as a criteria for diagnosis (Rooney 56). The underlying concern that both DLE and SLE share is their label as an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases work by attacking self antigens and tissues as if they were foreign (McKinley, O’Loughlin and Bidle 856). By analyzing a deconstructed look at lupus we hope to gain an insight into lupus’ pathological effect on the body and its relation to the immune system. SLE occurs when the body begins to attack its own tissues without known cause. Although there is not a definitive known cause for SLE, autoantibodies can combine to form immune complexes which can effectively damage internal tissue and the hyperactivity of b-cells contributes to the symptoms (Pullen, Brewer and Ballard 23) (Porth 1422). Genetic predisposition to SLE is evidenced by an increased concordance rate in twins (10-fold), increased incidences within family members (10%-16%), and increased...
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...Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B5 for Acne Virtually everyone remembers the frustrating experience of acne with small inflamed dots called pimples or blackheads. For the young woman concerned about self-image, skin complexion is important. One or two strategically placed pimples can be intolerable. For some, acne can progress, leading to scarring and disfigurement, with pitting and nodularity called Acne Vulgaris. While some are spared this chronic ordeal, others endure many years of ineffective treatments by a succession of dermatologists. Although some treatments such as Accutane™ may offer success, there is a price in terms of serious adverse side effects. What Causes Acne? Acne is caused by excess oil called sebum which originates in the sebaceous glands at the root of the hair follicles. This oily build may occlude the duct in the skin causing blockage and infection. "Popping the pimple” is a home remedy which forces the occluding plug to pop out of the pore, providing drainage and temporary relief. Common Causes of Acne Acne is a common adverse side effect of synthetic birth control pills which mimic testosterone. Elevated testosterone levels in males and females are associated with increased oil production in the skin resulting in acne. A common genetic mutation called atypical CAH (congenital adrenal hyperplasia) causes increased testosterone in females resulting in acne. PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) syndrome is associated with increased testosterone...
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...Personal Impact Paper Donna Ballard, RN University of Phoenix Nur/427 Carolyn Diaz, MSN “Chronic illness is the irreversible presence, accumulation, or latency of disease states or impairment that involve the total human environment for supportive care and self-care, maintenance of function and prevention of further disability” (Curtin and Lubkin, 1995, pp. 6-7). Once a person is diagnosed with a chronic disease their lifestyle changes completely. The purpose of this assignment is to research the personal impact of a patient living with a chronic disease. I will discuss how the life style of this patient changed completely from being an active super model and independent to be dependent on her family. I will discuss the social, financial and personal effects that has incurred with this patient. I will also discuss how the patient learned about her disease, educational experience, and motivators the patient used in learning about her disease. (Towner & Inter-mountain Healthcare,Utah,USA, 2008). Sonya D is middle aged African American woman whom had a career as a super model; until she was diagnosed with Lupus. A married woman and mother of a teenager, she enjoyed walking and spending family time with her spouse and daughter. Patient is not obese, non-smoker and non-alcoholic. She had been extremely tired and in bed a lot. She noticed her extremities going numb and went to the doctor for a physical, not expecting to hear the diagnosis of Lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune...
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...the most puzzling diseases due to its overlapping characteristics. These overlapping characteristics include the diseases systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis, and polymyositis (http://lup.sagepub.com/content/15/3/132.short). Though the disease is somewhat unknown and presumably hereditary, the uncovered cause and criteria for diagnosis is linked through like antibodies and antigens (http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJM197611182952101). MCTD affects numerous body systems i.e. skeletal, muscular, skeletal, digestive, and nervous (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Mixed_Connective_Tissue_Disease). Treatment for this disease is patient specific depending on the severity of each case; while the medications prescribed are ailment specific, creating a huge risk of developing side effects due to contraindications and normal use. In diagnosing these side effects, one must first explore the history of MCTD. What is Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)? In 1972 (Venables) Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) was first recognized for its overlapping features by its like or “mixed” similarities noticed in patients presenting with signs and symptoms of three autoimmune connective tissue diseases. The like featured diseases that make up Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) are systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (an autoimmune disease where healthy tissue is mistakenly attacked by the body’s immune system), systemic sclerosis...
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...Dietary Supplements Summary James Johnson SCI/241 Abstract In this paper I am going to discuss and identify what are dietary supplements, some benefits of taking dietary supplements, some risks from taking dietary supplements, the government regulations surrounding dietary supplements, I will be discussing Rheumatoid arthritis and the use of an herbal supplement to treat it called cat’s claw. What are Dietary Supplements? Dietary supplements in the United States are classified as substances that you consume by the way of eating or drinking them. Dietary supplements can be herbal, vitamins, minerals, or amino acids, or even a part of all of these substances. Some benefits of taking these dietary supplements are boosting energy, losing weight, stress, heart health, liver health, and even to reduce wrinkles. These are just a few benefits of taking supplements, there are experts that say that there are places in our diet that has a definite need for supplements, but there primary goal is to fill in the gaps that we lose as nutrients. There are risks that are involved with taking dietary supplements and people need to pay close attention when taking to many supplements. Like all drugs there are side effects, Exposures to supplements (such as vitamins, herbs, protein powders, and botanicals) accounted for more than 35,000 calls to US poison control centers in 2011. Of these calls, more than 4,000 people were reportedly treated in health care facilities. More than 800 cases...
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...bulletin information, may seem to be time consuming. So why would you use those resources? What benefits would the library resources have over the Internet resource? One big advantage of resources, is the library over free Internet resources is that they’ve been considered. Books in the library and editorials in the database have been within an evaluation process that gives some assertion of credibility and accuracy. Since anyone can put no matter what on the Internet, the only assessment a website is obtainable to go through is the one that you do, determining whether or not to use it for your convenience. Let’s say I was writing an essay for my English class on a medical deficiency called Lupus. I would utilize Google to find sources of information for my term paper. The surfing would result with many returns and hits. How many hits do you commonly look through? Maybe 40 to 80? Obviously not, most of us scroll through the first few sites, which is almost unquestionably eminence information that we could utilize for a college essay. Question is how long will it take to find the correct information? There’s really no...
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...Do most people know what is in the food that they eat? Very few people are aware of the dangers of consuming everyday food. Things such as chicken nuggets or hamburgers could be slowly killing someone these days. With so many things being added to foods, the human race must keep in mind the fact that said things are also being added to their bodies. Exposure to these particular additives could have a large impact on humans and more importantly, their children. Perhaps we should first take a look at exactly what is in our food. Steroid hormones are chemicals that are produced naturally in the bodies of all animals, including humans. They are chemical messages that control important body functions such as growth, development and reproduction. Our bodies produce them naturally in very small amounts to maintain a delicate balance. There are six different kinds of steroid hormones that are currently approved by FDA for use in food production in the US: Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, Zeranol, Trenbolone acetate, and Melengestrol acetate. Estradiol and progesterone are natural female sex hormones; testosterone is the natural male sex hormone; Zeranol, Trenbolone acetate and Melengesterol acetate are synthetic growth promoters (hormone-like chemicals that can make animals grow faster). Ingesting steroid hormones, either natural or synthetic can upset the natural balance in the body and lead to health problems. Studies have shown increased rates of cancer due to the ingestion...
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