Written by Dr. Aisha Harris
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that impacts many people in the United States. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, nine out of 10 patients with lupus are women – and 1 in 250 African American women have lupus. It is a medical disorder that can cause damage to any part of the body, from the kidneys to the brain, to fertility, skin and joints.
Lupus presents differently in everyone with a range of symptoms and severity.
May is Lupus Awareness Month, and lupus is a common disorder especially in the Black community. Lupus is three times more likely to occur in African American women than white women. Additionally, lupus is more severe in African Americans and more commonly diagnosed in younger adults.
Lupus symptoms can present as rashes, joint pain, fatigue, brain fog and more.
It can be treated by lifestyle changes that help decrease inflammation and medications to help decrease symptoms.
There is a genetic component to lupus where it can occur in multiple people in the same family, but there is also a link between autoimmune disorders being more common in certain families.
There are many treatment options for lupus and the earlier it is diagnosed and managed the better.
Lupus increases a person’s risk of heart attacks, lung disease, strokes, kidney disease, infertility and more. There are many young adults with lupus who have had strokes because of the increased blood clots that uncontrolled lupus can cause. Many patients with lupus may need dialysis or kidney transplants because of kidney failure caused by lupus.
Lupus impacts the human body is broadly.
With a high prevalence of lupus in the Black community, it is encouraged that individuals have regular medical checkups and appointments, seek medical advice for health concerns, and know their family history to be better informed about health risks and prevention needs. Those with lupus should talk to their doctor about medications and prevention, but also try have a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. Additionally, decreasing stress, prioritizing rest and establishing good mental health habits will be beneficial.
Lupus can be a complex medical disorder, but there are resources and strong medical teams to help patients with lupus manage their lupus and prevent future medical problems from occurring.
Dr. Aisha Harris, MD is a Flint native and board-certified family medicine doctor at Harris Family Health in Flint, Michigan. Harris Family Health is a membership-based clinic that provides personalized and full primary care to adults and children. Learn more about Harris Family Health by visiting www.harrisfamilyhealth.com. Feel free to submit health questions to Dr Harris via theflintcouriernews@gmail.com.
