Lupus

Minority Women's Health > African Americans > Health Topics > Lupus

Lupus is a health problem in which the body attacks its own tissues and organs. It can cause many other health problems, such as trouble breathing, skin problems, arthritis, kidney problems, and headaches. No one knows for sure what causes lupus. Doctors think that lupus may be genetic.

African American women are three times as likely as white women to get lupus. African American women tend to develop lupus at a younger age and have more severe symptoms than white women.

The signs of lupus differ from person to person. Some people have just a few signs, while others have more. Common symptoms include:

• red rash or color change on the face, often in the shape of a butterfly across the nose and cheeks
• painful or swollen joints
• unexplained fever
• chest pain with deep breathing
• swollen glands
• extreme fatigue (feeling tired all the time)
• unusual hair loss (mainly on the scalp)
• pale or purple fingers or toes (from cold or stress)
• sensitivity to the sun
• low blood count
• depression, trouble thinking, and/or memory problems
• mouth sores
• unexplained seizures (convulsions)
• seeing things (hallucinations)
• repeated miscarriages
• unexplained kidney problems

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor.

There is no cure for lupus, but there are treatments that can help ease your symptoms.

Publications

1.   Frequently Asked Questions - Lupus - This publication contains information on Lupus, a disease that affects your immune system causing it to attack healthy cells. It explains whom Lupus affects, the different types of Lupus, its signs, symptoms, causes, and how it is diagnosed and treated. It also contains information on how to cope with the pain and stress of having Lupus and whom to contact for more information.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/lupus.htm

2.   The Many Shades of Lupus: Information for Multicultural Communities - Lupus has many shades. It can affect people of different races, ethnicities, and ages, both men and women. It can look like different diseases. It's different for every person who has it. The good news is that you can get help and fight lupus. Learning about it is the first step. Ask questions. Talk to your doctor, family, and friends. People who look for answers are more likely to find them. This booklet can help you get started.

   http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Lupus/shades_of_lupus.asp

3. African American Women and Lupus (Copyright © AACHAC) - This is a brief fact sheet for African American women about who gets lupus, common signs, diagnosis, and treatment.

   http://www.aachac.org/healthfactsheets/lupis.html

4. Diagnosis: The Eleven Criteria Used for the Diagnosis of Lupus (Copyright © LFA) - Currently, there is no single laboratory test that can determine whether a person has lupus or not. To assist the physician in the diagnosis of lupus, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) issued a list of 11 symptoms or signs that help distinguish lupus from other diseases.

   http://www.lupus.org/education/diagnosis.html

5. Living with Lupus: Why is this Diagnosis So Elusive? (Copyright © BWH) - This on-line publication contains information on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in African-American Women, signs and symptoms, medical evaluation and diagnosis, and treatment.

   http://www.blackwomenshealth.com/2006/articles.php?id=76

6. Lupus/ Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) (Copyright © Arthritis Foundation) - This on-line publication provides information on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), the several types of Lupus, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and lists additional resources.

   http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/DiseaseCenter/lupus.asp

7. Lupus: Basics for Better Living (Copyright © LFA) - Although there is no "cure" for lupus, you can make lifestyle adjustments that help fight the disease and give you an improved sense of well-being. Many of these don't require spending money or seeing a health care provider. This pamphlet offers you ways to do things to help yourself.

   http://www.lupus.org/education/brochures/better03.html

8. Pregnancy and Lupus (Copyright © LFA) - This fact sheet answers many questions a woman with lupus might be concerned about if she is pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Topics include undergoing treatment while being pregnant, health concerns with breastfeeding, and other lupus-related issues with pregnancy.

   http://www.lupus.org/education/brochures/pregnancy.html

Organizations

1.   National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse, NIAMS, NIH, HHS
2. Alliance for Lupus Research
3. American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
4. Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of December 2007