Systemic lupus erythematosus is generally considered to be an inflammatory autoimmune disorder.
In this variety of disease the immune system, this typically defends the body from potential threats, attacks healthy parts of the body causing damage to various organs, systems, and parts.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common form of lupus and can affect a wide variety of body parts.
While lupus may affect anyone, the populations currently found to be at higher risk are African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American women.
In general women are at higher risk than men as well.
Among the systems that SLE most commonly affects are the skin and the respiratory system.
The symptoms of lupus vary widely and may change in a single individual over time.
They may include skin rashes, muscle pain, joint problems, and fever.
New symptoms may continue to develop throughout the course of the disorder.
Due to the nature of the disorder cumulative affects can occur if treatment is not initiated.
Diagnosis of lupus can be difficult.
As the symptoms vary from individual to individual and within the same individual testing is necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Unfortunately, no single test is considered conclusive at this time.
As a result making a confident diagnosis may take months or years.
There is also no complete cure for all cases of lupus.
Remission does occur sometimes.
Stem cell therapies are being developed to possibly treat the disease as well.
Medicine and changes in lifestyle can often help to control the disease and the symptoms.
In the most severe cases systemic lupus erythematosus can cause death.
As a result it may be necessary that you seek medical treatment for the disorder.
Maintaining cooperation with a single doctor may prove beneficial due to the length of time required for the diagnosis in some cases.
In lieu of continuing to see a single doctor ensuring that detailed medical records are kept and transferred to your new doctor may prove helpful.