Lupus
So few have heard of it, yet worldwide it's seen as more common than leukaemia, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.
Over 30,000 people have the disease in the UK of whom 90% are female. Men and young children can also be affected by lupus. The ratio of women to men(who are affected) being 9:1.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, a type of self-allergy, whereby the patient's immune system creates antibodies which instead of protecting the body from bacteria and viruses attack the person's own body tissues. This causes symptoms of extreme fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, anaemia, general malaise, and can result in the destruction of vital organs. It is a disease with many manifestations, and each person's profile or list of symptoms is different. Lupus can mimic other diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, making it difficult to diagnose.
Currently there is no single test that can definitely say whether a person has lupus or not. Only by comprehensive examination and consideration of symptoms and their history can a diagnosis be achieved.
Lupus is neither infectious or contagious.
