The month of May is Lupus Awareness Month. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect any area of the body. Lupus is caused when the immune system can no longer fight off the bacteria and viruses anymore. This is due to the body having difficulty telling the difference between the body’s healthy tissues and the foreign attackers. Because of these viruses, the human body is not able to produce proteins, like antibodies, which causes pain, inflammation, and damage in certain areas of the body. This can lead to emotional issues, such as depression and stress, among people with lupus.
Dealing with Stress
Being diagnosed with lupus, symptoms can be made worse by daily stress and stressful life events. Illness and mental stress travel th
rough the same pathways in the human brain, which activates inflammation. The more stress being produced, the more sickness that’s created. When the human body is under stress, a stress hormone called epinephrine is released. Once that hormone is released, it passes through different areas of the brain. This results in receiving certain symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, fatigue, and confusion.
It is normal for people who have lupus not to feel well physically and emotionally. Such feelings can cause one not to do the things they would like to do. It can also increase stress levels, making it harder for them to relax during a tough time.
Diagnosing, Testing and Treatment for Lupus
There is no one method to diagnose Lupus. The symptoms can appear randomly over a period of years. Other conditions may overlap and mask a positive diagnosis. Only after a series of signs, symptoms and tests, can a diagnosis it be made. This article on Lupus from the Mayo Clinic gives some very good information on:
- Testing associated with Lupus
- Medications used in the treatment
- Home remedies and lifestyle recommendations
- Alternative medicine
- Coping & Support
The professionals at Westland Clinic can discuss symptoms and testing of your illness and make professional recommendations and referrals if need be. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We are here to help you.
