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World Lupus Day 2022: Standing Along With Lupus Patients

Creator: Kesavan K.E.T.
Keywords: World Lupus Day, lupus day, lupus, immune system, autoimmune, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, skin rashes

by Kesavan K.E.T. on May 9, 2022 at 5:43 PM

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Highlights:

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune disease that occurs when the body system attacks its own organs and tissues, resulting in inflammation
World Lupus Day is observed annually on May 10th to help and solve the mystery of lupus and provide a better understanding about this autoimmune disease
Various campaigns and activities are carried out on this day by wearing purple items to support lupus patients

World Lupus Day is observed on May 10th every year to create awareness about the devastating effects of lupus, technically known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to encourage people who are battling the disease around the globe. Lupus can affect people of all nationalities, races, ethnicities, genders, and ages.

The worldwide annual observance also concentrates on the requirement for improved patient healthcare services, and increased research into the causes and cure for lupus; as of now, there is no cure for lupus. This would yield better epidemiological data on lupus globally that would further aid in the earlier diagnosis and treatment of lupus.

What is Lupus?

Lupus, technically known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic, autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body (1^✔). Lupus means "wolf" in Latin, as the disease was so-called in the 13th century because the rash was thought to resemble a wolf bite.

‘Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body's tissues and organs are affected. World Lupus Day is celebrated on May 10th every year to raise awareness about lupus.’

Symptoms vary among individuals and range from mild to severe (1^✔). Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling, fever, chest pain, hair loss, mouth ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, feeling tired, and a red rash that is most common on the face (1^✔).

There are often periods of illness, called flares, and periods of remission during which there are few symptoms (1^✔).

The cause of the disease is still not clear. Lupus can be caused by many factors such as changes in hormones, genetics, environmental issues, smoking, and vitamin D deficiency. And as of now, there is no cure for this disease (1^✔). But it may be treated with NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, hydroxychloroquine, and methotrexate (1^✔), but along with some side effects.

Lupus - A Global Issue

Lupus significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the most common cause of death. With modern treatment, about 80% of those affected survive more than 15 years. Women with lupus have higher risk but mostly successful pregnancies (1^✔).

The rate of lupus presence varies between countries from 20 to 70 people per 100,000. Women of childbearing age are affected about nine times more often than men. Although it usually begins between the ages of 15 and 45, people of all ages can be affected.

African, Caribbean, and Chinese descendants are at greater risk than Whites. Disease rates in the developing countries are still unclear.

History of World Lupus Day

World Lupus Day was first created by Lupus Canada in 2004 to raise awareness of this little-known disease that has devastating effects on sufferers and their families. It was created to increase research funding, provide better services to patients, improve epidemiological data, and raise awareness of the disease.

World Lupus Day is sponsored by the World Lupus Federation, a coalition of lupus patient organizations worldwide, united to improve the quality of life for people affected by lupus (2^✔). Since then, lupus organizations and scientific explorations around the world have committed to various activities on May 10th each year to raise awareness and educate the public about the symptoms and health effects of lupus (2^✔).

Things to be Done During World Lupus Day

Here is a list of few activities you can participate to raise awareness and funds to end lupus (3^✔) :

Participate in the World Lupus Day social media campaign highlighting the impact of lupus on the body's organs (3^✔)
Wear your favorite purple items to raise awareness and encourage others to donate
Make a statement by lighting up a significant landmark, monument, or building to be illuminated on World Lupus Day in purple in your city
Share the "lupus facts" images on social media
Host an event and organize funds for lupus
Use hashtags like #WorldLupusDay2022, #LupusDay, #WLD2022 on social media platforms
Insist the Government to proclaim funding for poor people who are affected by the disease

Things to Know About Lupus

Lupus commonly affects your skin, joints, and internal organs like heart and kidney (4^✔)
9 out of 10 people with lupus are women (4^✔)
Use of anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials, biologics, immunosuppressives, and steroids are recommended for lupus treatment(5^✔)
65% of lupus patients say chronic pain is the most difficult part of having lupus (6^✔)
76% of lupus patients say fatigue caused by lupus has forced them to cut back on social activities (6^✔)
89% of lupus patients say they can no longer work full-time due to lupus complications (6^✔)
The National Resource Center on Lupus provides information and support for anyone affected by lupus, including people diagnosed with lupus, children and teens, caregivers, health care professionals, and the public (6^✔).

Let us all raise our voices to fight against the misunderstandings of this disease and provide a better world for the lupus patients.

On this May 10th, may we all wear purple items to indicate that we are with lupus patients throughout the world.

References:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus) - (https:www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/lupus)
World Lupus Day - (https:worldlupusday.org/about/)
World Lupus Day - (https:worldlupusday.org/tool-kit/)
What is lupus? - (https:www.lupus.org/resources/what-is-lupus)
Treating lupus: a guide - (https:www.lupus.org/resources/treating-lupus-guide)
Impact on Daily Life - (https:www.lupus.org/understanding-lupus/impact-on-daily-life)

Source: Medindia

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