Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects multiple organs in the body, including the joints. Joint involvement is common in SLE and can cause significant pain, stiffness, and disability. This blog will discuss how SLE affects the joints, how it is diagnosed, and available treatments. We will also explore dietary changes that can help manage SLE symptoms.
What is SLE?
SLE is a systemic autoimmune disorder when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. This can cause inflammation, damage, and dysfunction in multiple systems, including the skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and joints. The exact cause of SLE is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.
How does SLE affect your joints?
Joint involvement is common in SLE, with up to 90% of patients experiencing joint pain and stiffness at some point during their disease course. The most affected joints are the hands, wrists, and knees, although any joint can be affected. Joint symptoms in SLE can range from mild to severe and may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion. In some cases, joint involvement can be the first sign of SLE.
What are the symptoms of SLE?
Common symptoms of SLE are:
- Fatigue: Many SLE people feel tired and have low energy levels.
- Joint pain and swelling: SLE can cause pain and swelling in the joints, particularly in the hands, wrists, and knees.
- Skin rashes: A butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose is a common symptom of SLE. Other types of rashes and skin lesions may also occur.
- Sensitivity to sunlight: People with SLE may develop a rash or other skin reactions when exposed to sunlight.
- Fever: A low-grade fever may be present in some people with SLE.
- Mouth/Nasal ulcers: Small ulcers may appear in the mouth or nose.
- Hair loss: Some people with SLE experience hair loss, especially on the scalp.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon: In this condition, the fingers and toes may become numb and tingly in response to cold temperatures or stress.
- Chest pain: SLE can cause inflammation of the lining around the heart, leading to chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Kidney problems: SLE can affect the kidneys and cause the protein to leak into the urine or there can be RBCs (blood) in urine particularly when urine is tested in lab.
- Brain and Nerves – SLE can affect brain and peripheral nerves causing myriad of symptoms ranging from headache to cognitive decline, abnormal behaviour or seizure or paralysis.
How is SLE diagnosed?
Diagnosing SLE can be challenging because it can affect multiple organs and tissues, and its symptoms can vary widely from person to person. To diagnose SLE, doctors typically perform a physical exam, review the patient’s medical history, and order blood tests to look for specific antibodies and markers of inflammation. Other tests, such as imaging studies and biopsies, may also be performed to evaluate organ involvement and damage. Biggest clue is when two or more organs are affected
What is the treatment for SLE?
Treatment for SLE usually involves a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and regular medical monitoring. Medications may include
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids to relieve pain and inflammation
- Immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation
Biological therapies target immune cells or cytokinesLifestyle modifications may include regular exercise, stress reduction, and dietary changes. Medical monitoring may include regular blood tests, imaging studies, and check-ups with a rheumatologist or other healthcare provider.
If you are suffering from the debilitating effects of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, it’s time to break through the pain and make an appointment with Dr. Avinash Jain – one of the top Rheumatologists in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Put yourself on the path to feeling better!!!
