What is an autoimmune disease

This is the name given to diseases caused by the immune system attacking the body’s cells. Instead of defending against bacteria and viruses, for some unknown reason it attacks itself. Prolonged inflammatory process leads to organ damage and destruction.

This disease gets its name from the characteristic shape of the rash on the face, which resembles the markings on the face of a wolf. It is also described as a butterfly shape because it is located on the cheeks on the sides of the nose. To date, there are no screenings available to identify a person’s predisposition to this disease.

Symptoms of lupus erythematosus

The disease develops slowly, so the first symptoms are nonspecific:

• weakness;
• fatigue;
• weight loss;
• high temperature.

As organs are affected, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) takes on new symptoms. This is a characteristic rash on the face, ulcers on the mucous membranes, hair loss, immobility of the joints, muscle, headaches, cramps, anemia, etc.

Patients with SLE are very sensitive to sunlight and UV rays. Raynaud’s syndrome is characterized by a reaction to cold. The skin on your hands changes color from red to white to blue. There is a tendency to bruising even with light exposure of the skin.

Diagnosis

At the clinic. “MDI provides a comprehensive diagnosis of SLE. It is quite a complex and lengthy process as symptoms can vary. There is a list of 11 symptoms, if a patient has 4 or more of these symptoms, the disease can be suspected.

1. Tests for different types of antibodies.
2. General blood and urine tests.
3. Biochemistry for liver and kidney enzymes.
4. Joint x-rays + lung x-rays
5. Rheumatologist consultation

The disease affects both children and adults equally, but the former have a sharper course.

Treatment

Since it is an autoimmune disease, there is no way to cure it completely. The goal of therapy is to stop the progression of lupus and relieve symptoms. This is done with different drugs: antimalarials, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. In the later stages, you need to support the affected organs and prevent deficiencies from developing.

If SLE is detected in the early stages, remission can be achieved and can be limited to low doses of drugs. The disease can recur, so all patients should be monitored by a rheumatologist.

In Israel, the experience of therapy of systemic lupus erythematosus is successful, so we invite you for diagnosis and treatment in our clinic.