Lupus is rarely known despite the condition being quite common. It is a disease wherein the immune system of a person attacks the body’s own tissues. Lupus is an autoimmune disease and can affect an individual at any age. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, three-fourths of the population aged between 18 and 34 are not aware of such chronic illnesses even though they are highly prone to it.
The condition has four types: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), discoid (Cutaneous), drug-induced lupus (DIL), and neonatal lupus.
Risk factors that contribute to the occurrence of lupus
he disease came to limelight in 2015 when the singer Selena Gomez went underwent kidney transplant because of Lupus. To stay aware, one should be aware of the causes of the condition. Lupus does not occur wholly because of one factor but a combination of factors. Several factors such as genes, hormones, and some other environmental factors all together combined can cause lupus. Let’s see how each factor is the cause of the development of lupus.
- Genes
There has been an increased prevalence of lupus among a few ethnic groups. Examples include those of Asian, African, Pacific Island, Native American, or Native Hawaiian descent. There is a higher risk of developing lupus if one has a genetic predisposition due to the sharing of common genes with any person who has suffered or is suffering from lupus. The disease can also develop in individuals with no family history of it.
- Hormones
Lupus is much more common in women than in men. In general, estrogen is an immune-enhancing hormone, and it helps in the strengthening of the immune system. Since the estrogen production is much higher in women than in men, they are more likely to be affected by autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
- Environmental factors
Scientists have discovered a number of environmental factors that give rise to the possibility of triggering lupus. One such factor is exposure to UV rays that cause damage to the skin, resulting in the activation of skin immune cells. Similarly, other factors include the likes of cigarette smoke and the exposure to mercury or silica dust in industrial areas.
- Medication
Some medications can be responsible for the development of lupus. Prescribed medications for any condition can cause Lupus within months or years. Certain medications can also trigger some infection which may lead to the condition or make individuals sensitive to UV rays. If the lupus is induced solely because of some medication, then the illness may be temporary.
- Emotional or physical stress
Emotional stress, life complications, grief or loss as well as anything that causes physical stress to the body like any injury, surgery, labor or pregnancy can induce Lupus.
Those who suffer from lupus tend to develop mucus regularly from an early age; all it needs is a trigger. The triggers vary from person to person due to which the diagnosis procedure becomes difficult as the factors induced are varied.
