Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): Overview

Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) is a chronic disease that can affect almost any organ in the body. People with mild lupus may only have skin rashes and/or joint pain. In more severe lupus patients, important organs like the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and brain can be involved.

Any two people with lupus may have different symptoms. The times when the disease is active or in remission can also vary from individual to individual. While lupus cannot be cured, your health care provider can help you control symptoms and lead a relatively normal life.

Lupus symptoms are caused by an overly active immune system. Normally the immune system protects us by attacking bacteria, viruses and other cells recognized as foreign and harmful to the body. But with lupus, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissue. Lupus is called an autoimmune disorder because the immune system attacks the "self" (auto means self). The reason for these mistakes by the immune system is not completely understood.

This information has been approved by JoAnn Gillis, MD (April 2008).