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Lupus

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Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause major damage to any organ or tissue in your body. Lupus causes your immune system to become unbalanced and is of unknown etiology. In Lupus the immune system is unable to differentiate between foreign and its own systems cells and tissues. It then produces antibodies that fight the body’s own tissues.
Lupus is diagnosed in 90% of women between the ages of 14-44, this is more than the men, but it can affect children and younger teens. It is found in non-whites more than Caucasians (Womens Health 2009). Lupus is not contagious or related to cancer; it is not related to or like HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) or even AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). It’s causes are unknown to researchers. Many researchers think its a over active immune system. The human body has many ways to identify cells. The bodies cells are marked by protein. That the immune system can either defend the body or allow the cell to live. To further understand autoimmune disorders, it is helpful to understand the workings of the immune system. The purpose of the immune system is to defend the body against attack by infectious microbes (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi) and foreign materials (e.g., chemicals, poisons). When the immune system attacks a foreign invader, it is very specific—a particular immune system cell will only recognize and target one type of invader. To function properly, the immune system must not only develop this specialized knowledge of individual invaders, but it must also learn how to recognize and not destroy cells that belong to the body itself. (2007) The symptoms of this disorder can be common From a fever to a rash. That can cause

major problems for doctors. From the common cold to joint, back and muscle pain. Headaches

and dizziness are more common symptoms. Painful joints that may be swollen, red, or warm.

Joints are the places in your body where two bones meet. Swelling of the face or legs. You may

also have swollen lymph (limf) nodes in the neck, arm, or groin. Fever over 100[degrees]F

(38[degrees]C). Long-lasting or extreme tiredness (fatigue). Skin rashes (sometimes butterfly-

shaped on your cheeks and nose). Chest pain when taking a deep breath. Hair loss. Sunlight may

bother you, cause a rash, or make other lupus symptoms worse. Mouth or nose sores. If the

digestive tract is affected, you may have nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), or

diarrhea (loose BMs). You may have pain in your abdomen (belly). You may also lose weight. (2014) Place your third body paragraph here to discuss your third supporting point. The proliferative nature of the immune response is controlled with immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., azathioprine, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate). These drugs work by inhibiting the replication of cells and, therefore also suppress non-immune cells, leading to side effects such as anemia (too few red blood cells). In addition, other drugs may be used to treat symptoms of specific disorders. (2001)

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