CAUSE 

 What causes lupus?

Lupus cause is unknown.  There is a combination of factors involved.  Some examples are genetic make up of a person’s and exposure to certain unknown trigger factors which provide the correct environment where lupus can develop.

 Can I have my children tested?

Someone should have symptoms of the disease for testing to be advised.

 What can trigger lupus?

Trigger factors include the following:

·        UV Light

·        Prescription Medications

·        Infections

·        Antibiotics of certain kinds

·         And Hormones

Scientific evidence does not apply, however stress may play a role in triggering lupus.

Is lupus stress related?

Several anecdotal reports meaning personal accounts show having lupus flaring during and after a stressful situation, but it is not for certain and needs further scientific studies.

Are flares related to hormones?

Again there are many reports that show lupus flaring with pregnancy, menstrual cycle, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy but these are unknown still.  Hormones could play a role but to say a precise role is not for sure.  Lupus has a 9:1 ration favoring female to males.  Hormones can influence the immune system.  Mice with lupus have been effected with hormones in the females through research.

Are there any medications people with lupus should avoid?

Medications show no contraindications that are required for Systemic lupus patients.  Your personal physician should watch for allergic reactions to certain medications and be aware of any connection between flares, estrogen, and oral contraceptives.

When a Lupus patient is prescribed sulfa antibiotics one should take precaution, the following medications like bactrim, gantrisin, septra are prescribed for urinary tract infections and may cause and increase in sun sensitivity and on occasion can lower blood pressure resulting in disease flares.  Water pills called sulfa diuretics like dyazide and any diabetic drugs containing sulfa such as aldactone.

Does lupus occur more often in certain geographical areas? No.

Is lupus related to pollution or toxic chemicals?

Lupus remains causes which are unknown much like a lot of other autoimmune diseases which also takes in to account the toxic and pollution which is unknown.  The triggers of lupus still remain to be determined.

Can something in your diet cause lupus?

The research feels that diet does not cause lupus.

Risk factors  

Common risk factors of lupus are the following, remember that anyone at any age or sex can develop lupus.

·        SEX Women are 9 times more likely to develop the disease then men.

·        AGE:  Lupus affects anyone but is most likely diagnosed between the ages of 15-45.

·        RACE:  Black Americans are at and increased risk of developing lupus at a younger age and have serious complications.  Research does not know why this is however studies where blacks are found to have many recurrent Epstein-Barr virus infections.   Native Americans, Asians, and Hispanics are at higher risk for developing lupus as well.

·        Family History:  Your odds are increased if one has a relative who has lupus.

·        Epstein-Barr virus infection:  This is a member of the herpes family which is one of the most common human viruses greatly increases your chances of developing lupus due to the virus which remains dormant in the cells of the body.