Fatigue, pain, swelling, rash, etc. Hair removal These are just some of the symptoms that occur in people with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue.
About 1.5 million Americans live with lupus, and about 16,000 new cases occur each year, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Lupus Foundation of America.
According to board-certified physician Brooke Goldner, M.D., there are many myths surrounding lupus that can make it difficult for people to understand and cope with the disease. doctor Professor of Autoimmunity at Cornell University.
Experimental lupus treatment could be ‘life-changing’ for autoimmune disease patients, study finds
“Educating myself and others about lupus is essential to dispel these myths and increase understanding of the disease,” Golder, who was diagnosed with lupus at age 16, told Fox News Digital.
In honor of Lupus Awareness Month, Goldner shared some of the biggest misconceptions and set the record straight on a number of issues.
Dr. Brooke Goldner (pictured right), a board-certified physician and professor of autoimmunity at Cornell University, is dedicated to debunking lupus myths and misconceptions. (iStock/Dr. Brooke Goldner)
7 myths debunked
Myth #1: There’s only one type of lupus.
The most common type of lupus is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but this is not the only form of the disease.
“SLE can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms come and go,” Goldner says.
Friends run for cure for lupus, complete New York Marathon in honor of longtime friend and lupus patient
Some common symptoms of SLE including fatigueJoint pain and stiffness, fever, hair loss, skin rash, and sensitivity to sunlight.
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is less common and affects only the skin.
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, the two least common types are neonatal lupus and drug-induced lupus.
Myth #2: Lupus is contagious
Lupus is not contagious from person to person, Goldner said.
“It occurs when the immune system attacks its own tissues and organs, causing inflammation and damage,” she says.
One doctor said, “Lupus can affect many different parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.” (BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
“Lupus can affect many different parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.”
Myth #3: Lupus erythematosus only affects women
“Lupus is Influencing more women “It’s more likely to affect everyone than men, including children and men,” Goldner says.
Anyone can develop lupus. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90% of cases occur in women between the ages of 15 and 44.
Myth #4: Lupus is cancer.
Medications such as chemotherapy are often used in severe cases of lupus, but they are not a complete cure. form of cancer.
Ginger may play ‘key role’ in reducing inflammation for people with autoimmune diseases, study finds
“This is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system begins to attack the body’s own tissues, rather than just foreign invaders. Viruses and bacteria” Goldner told FOX News Digital.
“Chemotherapy is known as an immune system suppressant and can be lifesaving when lupus causes organ failure and aggressive immunosuppression is required.”
Myth #5: Lupus is caused by stress.
Although stress can cause lupus symptoms, Goldner pointed out that stress is not the cause of the disease.
“The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors,” she says.
Myth #6: Lupus is entirely genetic.
Genetics determines whether a person is likely to develop lupus, Goldner said, but it is not a congenital disease.
Fatigue is the main symptom of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). (St. Petersburg)
“Just as people with a genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes won’t develop the disease unless they have a diet or lifestyle that causes it, the same is true for lupus,” she says. To tell.
Lupus is often triggered when: Physical and mental stress Combine that with a nutritious, pro-inflammatory diet, the experts added.
Myth #7: Lupus is a death sentence
Goldner says that while lupus can be a serious disease, “it’s not a death sentence.”
“Although there is no medical cure for lupus, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and prevent damage to vital organs,” she said.
‘Liquid gold’ may bring new hope to multiple sclerosis patients, study suggests: ‘huge benefit’
“process May contain drugs These include anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids.”
In addition to taking medications, many people with lupus can manage their symptoms with healthy lifestyle interventions, Goldner said.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
“Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy eating And stress management can help improve the quality of life of lupus patients,” the experts said.
“Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress management can help improve the quality of life for lupus patients,” the experts said. (St. Petersburg)
As a lupus survivor and physician, Goldner said she has dedicated her life to raising awareness of the disease and helping people gain the power to manage and eliminate their symptoms through nutrition and lifestyle. Ta.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“This is not to suggest that people shouldn’t use treatment It can also save lives,” she said. “Rather, we focus on controlling all the variables we can manage, such as managing stress through diet, sleep, and self-care, to minimize illness and maximize recovery and remission.”
For more health-related articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
