Lupus Alert Day

Today, April 1st is Lupus Alert Day. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes swelling and inflammation. Lupus has a wide variety of symptoms including

• Achy joints 
• Unexplained fever 
• Swollen joints 
• Prolonged or extreme fatigue.
• Skin rash.
• Ankle swelling and fluid accumulation.
• Pain in the chest when breathing deeply (pleurisy)
• A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose

Lupus affects everyone differently. While some may suffer greatly with severe symptoms others may have only a few symptoms of Lupus. Lupus has the ability to damage any part of the body including skin, joints, and / or organs. It leaves the immune system unable to fight off viruses, bacteria and germs. In addition it will leave the Lupus sufferer fighting a battle against their own body

Lupus can leave the immune system unable to fight off viruses, bacteria and germs. Naturally our bodies produce proteins known as "antibodies" that protect the body from foreign invaders. Those that suffer with Lupus often have "autoimmunity issues" because their bodies can not tell the difference between foreign invaders and healthy tissues. Because of the way the immune system works those with Lupus often find Lupus attacking healthy tissues.

Lupus is not contagious and can not be spread by someone with it. It is not related to cancer even though those suffering with Lupus are often prescribed the same medication as patients undergoing chemotherapy. My dad lived with Lupus for years and now my son is living with it as well. To our family it is not a battle he faces alone but one we fight together.

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