Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

SLE is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own cells. This leads to tissue damage of the affected organs. The disease encompasses a vast number of symptoms and clinical manifestations.

It is a chronic inflammatory disease that involves mainly the skin, kidneys, central nervous system and almost all other systems of the body.

It is a disease of relapse (symptoms are worse and one feels ill) and remissions (the symptoms are improved and one feels better). The severity varies from person to person.

It is not contagious.

CAUSES:

A genetic susceptibility is the major causative factor. Apart from that triggering factors like environmental agents and low immune states play an equally important role for the disease to manifest itself.

SYMPTOMS:

The symptoms of SLE vary from person to person, some frequently seen symptoms are:

1. Muscle and joint pain
2. Fatigue
3. Fever – temperature above 100⁰F
4. Rash- on parts exposed to sun and light. MALAR RASH is a very characteristic butterfly rash seen on the cheeks and nose of SLE patients.
5. Photosensitivity – people with SLE develop rash, pain, stiffness in parts exposed to sun and light
6. Kidney affections- lupus nephritis
7. Hair loss
8. Weakness of memory

DIAGNOSIS

One single test or symptom cannot diagnose SLE as it is a multisystem disease. Instead, it is diagnosed based on a variety of criteria.

Tests- (ANA) antinuclear antibody test , Positive anti- dsDNA test is confirmatory of SLE.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

It is essential for all SLE patients to follow proper diet and management in order to keep the disease at bay.

1. Avoid smoking as it increases the inflammatory reaction in the body.
2. Take vitamin D rich food
3. In patients suffering from stress, anxiety and depression due to the disease, support group and psychiatric counselling is recommended.

 HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT-

 Homoeopathy is based on individualized treatment; it brings about overall well-being and improves the quality of life.

SLE being a systemic auto immune disease requires a holistic approach. In homoeopathy the treatment is targeted towards not only the disease symptoms but also the person’s psychological and emotional state.  Each individual has their own triggering factor, it may be his psychological, emotional, physical or genetic susceptibility. In homoeopathy we find the root cause of the triggers and help to bring back the balance in the immune state in a natural way and help to cure the autoimmune diseases

Meanwhile, the general management therapy that is required for the individual should be continued along with homoeopathic treatment to restore the individual back to their healthy state more effectively.

For consultations regarding SLE and any other systemic autoimmune diseases reach out to us at BEING WELL HOMOEOPATHY CLINIC