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Lupus: How It Affects Organs and Tissues Internally
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) causes widespread inflammation and tissue damage due to immune system dysregulation.
Key Manifestations
- Immune Dysregulation: Autoantibodies attack the body's own tissues.
- Joints: Arthritis (pain, swelling, stiffness); chronic inflammation can cause deformities.
- Skin: Butterfly rash, discoid lesions, photosensitivity, vasculitis.
- Kidneys (Lupus Nephritis): Glomerular inflammation → protein/blood in urine, potential kidney failure.
- Nervous System: Headaches, seizures, cognitive dysfunction ("lupus fog"), mood disorders.
- Cardiovascular: Pericarditis, myocarditis, vasculitis → increased heart attack/stroke risk.
- Lungs: Pleuritis, interstitial lung disease → shortness of breath, cough, chest pain.
- Blood: Anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia.
- Fatigue: Profound, often debilitating.
Symptoms vary widely. Early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and appropriate treatment can manage lupus and reduce complications.
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