May 10th is a dedicated World Lupus Day. Lupus is a serious life-altering and fatal disease that requires in-depth understanding and support for the affected persons. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the unaffected and those affected to join hands and get involved in doing whatever it takes to fight this unpredictable and commonly misunderstood disease.
To begin, Lupus is an inflammatory disease/autoimmune disease that occurs when the body system attacks its own tissues and organs. Inflammation resulting from this may affect various body organs including the skin, kidneys, brain, blood cells, lungs, heart and the joints.
Since 2004, lupus organizations around the globe have conducted activities on May 10 to raise awareness and educate the public about the symptoms and health effects of lupus.
In Nigeria, Arise Monalisa Foundation is committed to this project of ‘Making Lupus Visible’ and helping the affected persons access help.
Together we can make lupus an international health priority and to ensure that people with lupus around the world are diagnosed and treated effectively.
Diagnosing Lupus
Diagnosing lupus is often difficult as its symptoms mimic those of other common ailments. However, a major proviso of this condition is facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly. Other signs and symptoms include:
Shortness of breath
Persistent chest pain
Joint pain, swelling and stiffness
Fever and fatigue
Fingers and toes turns blue when exposed to cold
Headaches, confusion and some memory loss
It is due to this that the World Lupus Federation is inviting everyone around the world to participate in this coming 15th annual observance of the World Lupus Day. This condition affects citizens of all nationalities, ethnicities, races, ages and genders. While this condition has no boundaries, understanding lupus can help control its impact. Join the organisation’s effort in ensuring that people with Lupus are diagnosed and treated effectively.
