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Environmental Health Concerns
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Lupus (Also called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), subacute cutaneous lupus, discoid lupus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus)
Lupus is an autoimmune disease brought about by either genetic and/or environmental factors, possibly even hormonal factors as well, in which the body begins to attack cells of the body or various organs. Lupus can affect almost every organ in the body, such as the joints, skin, blood vessels, heart, and brain.
There are many types of lupus, of which systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common. Lupus is not selective in choosing its victims, and anyone can be diagnosed with the disease. Although women are most at risk for lupus, it is more common in Asian, Native American, African American and Hispanic women. Most victims are affected between ages 15 and 45, but it can also occur later in life.
Lupus has many symptoms, and they can vary from very mild to life threatening. These symptoms also vary from patient to patient, as well as from occurrence to occurrence in the same patient, making it very difficult for a doctor to predict the progression of the disease or its symptoms.
Some of the more common symptoms are:
Extreme Fatigue
Muscle Pain
Joint pain or swelling
Fever of no known cause
Red rashes, often on the face (the “butterfly rash”)
Kidney problems
Hair loss
Depression
Sensitivity to the sun
Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress (Raynaud's phenomenon)
Chest pain
Dizziness
Seizures
Diagnosis of lupus is very difficult as it is similar to many other diseases. It can takes months or years to diagnose, and providing the doctor with a very accurate health history is very instrumental in setting up an individualized plan for treatment. A very complete and accurate medical history, a physical, and laboratory tests are all used to diagnose lupus. Sometimes even an MRI or biopsy will be necessary to diagnose the disease.
Treating lupus consists of treating the symptoms, as there is no known cure for this disease. Once it has been diagnosed, a doctor will work with you to prescribe a plan that is based on your age, gender, symptoms, health and lifestyle. This plan can change over time as the disease progresses, but the plan’s goal is to manage and treat flares, as well as minimize complications.
Drug treatments consist of:
NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Antimalarials
Corticosteroid hormones with supplemental Vitamin D to avoid bone loss
Immunosuppressives
Whether a person is genetically predisposed or not, environmental factors can bring the lupus symptoms to full exposure. These environmental triggers include sunlight (UVA and UVB rays), cigarette smoke, and some preservatives in food. There is no known cure for lupus, but lifestyle changes can help control it. If you have lupus or a predisposition to lupus, it is very important to know which environmental triggers exacerbate your condition.
The Healthy Green Institute recommends a complete indoor environmental and lifestyle assessment that can help identify potential triggers to Lupus. The results from an assessment can provide recommendations to help reduce the exposure your environment and lifestyle have on you and the disease, as well as to minimize or possibly eliminate Lupus flares.
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Disclaimer:
The contents of this Web Site are meant for informational purposes only. The state of knowledge regarding Lupus, environmental related illnesses and the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances in the environment is constantly evolving and is often uncertain. In this educational endeavor we have made a diligent effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information presented, but make no claim that it comprehensively addresses all possible situations.
The Healthy Green Institute of America, LLC and its web site is intended as an educational resource for individuals and families seeking information that may help them solve difficult environmental related health issues.
It is not, however, a substitute for the professional judgment of health care providers. The information must be interpreted in light of specific data regarding the patient and in conjunction with other sources of authority.
If you feel that certain treatment options or detoxifying your body or your indoor environments, may help improve your health and wellness, please seek the advice and guidance of health care professionals that understand these options.
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