Lupus Awareness: Understanding Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack the body's own tissues. This can cause inflammation and damage in virtually any organ, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood cells. Lupus disproportionately affects women of childbearing age, with a prevalence approximately nine times higher in women than in men.

Common symptoms include a butterfly-shaped facial rash (malar rash), joint pain and swelling, fatigue, fever, hair loss, mouth sores, and sensitivity to sunlight. Lupus can also cause more serious complications such as kidney disease (lupus nephritis), inflammation of the heart and lungs, blood disorders, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Because the disease is so variable in its presentation, no two patients have exactly the same experience, which can delay diagnosis.

Dr. Shree Narayan Yadav — consultant physician & joint and autoimmune disease specialist at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center provides evidence-based evaluation for migraine.

Diagnosis relies on clinical features, blood tests (antinuclear antibody, anti-dsDNA, complement levels), and organ-specific investigations. There is no single test that confirms lupus — the diagnosis is made by combining multiple findings. Management includes hydroxychloroquine as a foundational therapy for nearly all patients, along with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologics depending on disease severity. Sun protection, regular monitoring of kidney function, and cardiovascular risk management are essential components of long-term care.

This article is educational and does not replace individual medical advice.