The ways lupus affects women and childbirth

This causes inflammation, pain and damage in the lupus sufferer. Systemic lupus erythematosus can be mild or severe and can affect any part of the body, mostly commonly affecting skin, joints, lungs, kidneys and blood systems.

Lupus affects women far more often than men and is most common during childbearing years. It more often affects the minority female population (black, hispanic and Asian women) than it does white women. Causes of lupus are not clear, but it is known to be at least partly hereditary, since it more commonly appears in people who have a close relative with the condition.

Symptoms include butterfly rash, photosensitivity, hair loss, anemia, fever, fatigue, head ache, chest pain and shortness of breath, arthritis, muscle ache and weight changes. One organ of the body may be initially affected by lupus and then spread to affect multiple organs including heart, lungs, kidney and brain simultaneously.

Diagnosis is made when someone has four or more of a specific set of symptoms and if their blood contains certain auto-antibodies. Several doctor appointments and examinations may be required to confirm the condition before a diagnosis is officially made. Medications will be carefully reviewed as well because some prescription drugs can cause symptoms of lupus that go away when the patient discontinues use of the medication.

Treating lupus primarily involves medications, both over the counter and prescription drugs. Those who do not experience life-threatening symptoms can use painkillers for joint and muscle pain. More serious symptoms can require high doses of cancer-killing drugs, called cytotoxic medications, as well as corticosteriods.

Gynecological complications of lupus include abnormalities of the cervix, requiring women with lupus to have a Pap smear at least once a year. Hormonal birth control, such as oral contraceptives, may be used by most women with lupus but those who have certain antibodies in their blood should avoid hormone drugs containing estrogens. Women taking medications that lower immunity are also more likely to experience yeast and other infections and genital herpes, and should avoid intrauterine contraceptive devices.

In addition, complications can arise during pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, which is the condition of having high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Women with lupus can also experience preterm labor and premature birth, miscarriage, fetal growth abnormalities and fetal death. Pregnancy can also cause flare ups of lupus symptoms or worsen the condition of lupus. Women who have damage to the kidneys are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, and distinguishing between symptoms of lupus or pre-eclampisa can be difficult.

Pregnant women do typically experience flare ups only in the first trimester, and fortunately more flare ups are not serious and can be treated with steroids. It is important to note that steroids may have side effects for mother and baby, and should be avoided early on in the first trimester to lessen the child's risk of developing cleft lip and palate.

Lupus can be a serious condition, and may cause early death. Fortunately, most women are able to treat and cope with the disease, and live longer as a result.

Tim Moore
mooreorlesstim3@yahoo.com
http://www.disabilityaudio.com