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Discoid Lupus ErythematosusMany of the bodies systems, including the skin, joints and internal organs are affected by the autoimmune disorder discoid lupus erythematosus. Since the condition is chronic as the disease progresses it may grow to other areas of the body. All attackers that invade the body are counteracted by the bodies immune system, which makes the body a sort of castle with a defense mode. As a result of this defense system we often don’t have to worry about the minor things that occur in the world and the maladies such as the common cold. The immune system is turned against the body with autoimmune disorders such as discoid lupus erythematosus. This means the body is attacking itself instead of fighting outside attackers. As a result chronic diseases such as discoid lupus erythematosus develop. CausesDiscoid lupus erythematosus has no exact cause discovered yet. Researchers believe that an infection may be the root cause which has certain proteins that the body thinks is a disease and turns the immune system against itself as a result. In recent years there has been little or no advancement even though the search continues for an exact cause. Age GroupWomen between the ages of ten and fifty are the most likely to get discoid lupus erythematosus. However, it can occur at any age and in any sex with some exceptions. The disease has also been known to be caused by certain types of drugs. When the medication therapy ceases then the drug induced discoid lupus erythematosus can be reversed. SymptomsDiscoid lupus erythematosus has a good many symptoms associated with it and they can occur in different degrees of severity based on the individual. The symptoms include fever, fatigue, weight loss, skin rash, sensitivity to sunlight, joint pain, swollen glands, chest pain, seizures, psychosis, blood in the urine, coughing up blood, hair loss, mouth sores and visual disturbance. TreatmentThe doctors treat each symptom to relieve patients since there is no cure for standard onset discoid lupus erythematosus. To treat the pain and swelling that can occur NSAIDS are commonly used. The skin manifestations are treated with creams and antimalarial drugs help people find relief for skin problems. When the disease begins to attack the internal organs it can become a life threatening disease. While these cases do occur they are not common. Each organ will need aggressive treatment and the physician will refer the patient to specialists in each field requiring treatment. PrognosisThe outlook for patients suffering from discoid lupus erythematosus is brighter than ever as a result of the new treatments being developed. Those with minor cases can expect to live long lives and the new rates for ten year survival are over eighty percent. For women a baby can be brought to full term and born healthy is they have discoid lupus erythematosus. To ensure that no heart disease or lung malfunctions occur the doctor will monitor both the mother and baby. For those with severe discoid lupus erythematosus the prognosis isn’t so bright since the new treatments work far better for mild cases. In most cases those with severe cases find little relief and the survival rate remains pretty steady. ComplicationsDiscoid lupus erythematosus only has a few complications that can set in. Infection is the worst of these. The body is no longer capable to fighting off infection for itself with this disease. For nearly all infections medication is necessary. Severe complications can result even with a common cold and people with this disease should avoid coming into contact with sick people. In some cases where the antibodies of the system begin to attack the kidneys then renal failure is presented. In many cases this complication can prove deadly unless the patient receive therapy at the first signs of renal failure. DiagnosisIf you feel that you have contracted discoid lupus erythematosus then it is imperative that you see your doctor immediately. The spread of the disease can be slowed if caught early enough and the symptoms can be treated. You doctor will test to see if any of the medications you are taking are causing the presentation of symptoms.
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