What is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease. The most common descriptionof autoimmune disease is that it is a condition that occurs when the "body attacks itself".The immune system, like most of the body, requires balance to function properly. T-helper 1 (Th1) cells and T-helper 2 cells (Th2) help regulate the body's response toforeign invaders.Th1 uses white blood cells to go after viruses and cancer cells. Th2 immune cells useantibodies to go after bacteria. Normally, the body strikes a balance by switching back and forth between Th1 and Th2.In a person with an autoimmune disorder, one dominates and suppresses the other.Trans fats, mercury and other heavy metals, sugar and processed foods, alcohol, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, and stress are part of a modern lifestyle that can disrupt theTh1/Th2 balance.Autoimmune Disease and WomenTh1 dominance in women is associated with autoimmunity and recurrent miscarriage inthe first trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, children in the autism spectrum tend to beTh1 dominant.Besides autoimmunity, Th2 dominance is characterized by a tendency toward allergies,frequent colds and viral infections, and cancer.Both Th1 and Th2 cells make a protein substance known as cytokines. Cytokines causeinflammation.Cytokines are a necessary part of our immunity. Inflammation should be a temporaryresponse to injury or infection. It is the over-production (too many) of certain smallcytokine molecules that leads to the invasion and inflammation of an organ or bodysystem.Changes in the BrainIn the brain, cytokines can cause behavioral changes. They can either prompt or worsendepression, anxiety, or anorexia. They may cause a person to become withdrawn.Cytokines create fatigue and interfere with sleep patterns. They are one thing responsiblefor what has been termed "brain fog."

Autoimmune conditions are named or categorized according to where in the bodycytokines are being overproduced and how the disease manifests itself.Lupus can affect the skin, lungs,kidneys, heart,joints, and/or nervous system. SystemicLupus Erythematosus (SLE) involves the internal organs. When only the skin is effected,the condition is called Discoid Lupus. Eventually, 5%-10% of individuals diagnosed withDiscoid Lupus will also develop Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.Symptoms of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus vary and can be mild or severe. They canalso change from day to day.-Almost all people with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus have joint painand will eventually also develop arthritis.-About half of those with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus develop a"butterfly" rash over the bridge of the nose and cheeks.-Rash all over the body.-Skin lesions-pregnancy loss-nephritis (kidney inflammation)-kidney failure-Up to 85% of those with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus develop sometype of blood disorder.-blood clots-strokes-pulmonary embolism-Anemia-Pericarditis-Endocarditis-Myocarditis-Chest pain