Lupus is a chronic disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of the body. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that an individual's immune system — the body system that usually fights infections — attacks healthy tissues. While anyone can develop lupus, certain sections of people are said to be at high risk: women between the ages of 15 and 44. Lupus is not a contagious disease and nobody exactly knows what causes it. Lupus and other autoimmune diseases run in families. Global research findings suggest that out of 10 lupus cases, nine are women. Ditto is the situation in Nepal, according to the National Center for Rheumatic Diseases. But then the sad truth is that no focused, and independent research has been carried out in Nepal.
According to doctors in Nepal, lupus patients seek treatment at health institutions at various stages: some in the early stages, some after developing rashes all over their skin, and others once their internal organs are already affected. Most lupus patients seeking treatment are between the ages of 15 and 40. For people living with lupus the harsh winters are said to be highly unfavorable. In winter various infections, particularly pneumonia, influenza, seasonal flu, and stomach-related infections, are common. These infections worsen the symptoms of lupus. The cold season also makes the body’s nerves more active, intensifying the pain from lupus. As it gets cold and activity levels decrease, lupus aggravates. Doctors explain that lupus occurs due to disruptions in the body’s immune system. Medical experts state that 0.03 percent of lupus cases are genetic, while the rest result from lifestyle factors. The disease inflicts problems, including rashes on the face when exposed to the sun, numbness and whitening of fingers upon contact with water, joint pain, body aches, mosquito-like marks on the skin, and hair loss. Women may also experience miscarriages. Sun exposure can trigger lupus. Not everyone exposed to the sun develops lupus, though. Chemicals such as ultraviolet rays from the sun and viratoxins can trigger the symptoms of lupus. Furthermore, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, hormonal imbalances, pollution, pneumonia, chemical-laden foods, junk food, fast food, and a sedentary lifestyle can all play a role in the development of lupus.
‘Women are nine times more likely to develop lupus than men’
Women have more body fat than men, and this fat contains a chemical called leptin, which can contribute to the development of lupus. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, maintaining weight, avoiding cigarettes, exercising, protecting oneself from winter infections, getting vaccinated against pneumonia and flu, and seeking timely treatment for anxiety can all help manage the disease. Because lupus affects many parts of the body, it can cause a lot of different symptoms. Some of the most common lupus systems – the same for men and women are: extreme fatigue; pain or swelling in the joints; swelling in the hands, feet or around the eyes; low fevers; and chest pain when breathing deeply. Many people with lupus also have problems that affect their skin and hair. In the absence of a focused and comprehensive study on lupus Nepal relies on international research findings, one of which states, because lupus affects many parts of the body, it causes a lot of different systems. It should also be be stated that many people with lupus do not, or may not have all the symptoms. Nepal needs to work on two or three fronts immediately. We need to carry out a focused, comprehensive research study on the prevalence of lupus in Nepal. Also, the government needs to focus on raising awareness about the disease, so people or multiple symptoms report to the health facilities for diagnosis and timely treatment.
