Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or simply Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system becomes overactive and starts attacking its own healthy cells and tissues. In the normal human body, immune systems provide protection against antigens and foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and germs. However, in Lupus patients, the immune system fails to differentiate between the body’s healthy cells and harmful antigens. As a consequence, the antibodies attack both types of cells which start affecting the body’s organs and systems like joints, skin, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and blood.
Lupus is an inflammatory condition causing widespread symptoms like inflammation, pain, and swelling when the immune system malfunctions. It starts destroying healthy tissues in various body parts and systems. Lupus can be of various types, each having their distinct set of symptoms, some of which are temporary and some are long-lasting. For instance, symptoms of subacute cutaneous lupus appear in patients when exposed to direct sunlight. Currently, there are more than 20 neuro-psychiatric syndromes caused by SLE, leading to severe damage to nerve cells. Moreover, if not treated in time, Lupus can cause severe dysfunction in the body such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, kidney failure, skin damage, COPD, and blood vessel damage.