Fight the Wolf (Lupus)

Lupus is a chronic, inflammatory disease in which the body's immune system fails to serve its normal protective functions and instead forms antibodies that attack healthy tissues and organ. There is no cure for Lupus at this time -- also, no known cause. While scientists believe there is a genetic predisposition to the disease, it is known that certain factors also play a critical role in triggering lupus. In a patient who is predisposed, the following factors may play a role in setting off the disease: infections, antibiotics or certain other medications, pregnancy, ultraviolet light, and extreme stress. Although lupus is known to occur within families, there is no known gene, which is thought to cause the illness. It is estimated that 1.4 to 2 million Americans have been diagnosed with lupus, making it more common than leukemia, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis - combined. Lupus can occur at any age and in either sex, although it appears 10 times more frequently in women than in men. The symptoms of the disease are the same in men and women. Lupus affects 1 out of every 185 Americans. The disease is more prevalent in African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asians. There have been great strides in the treatment of Lupus and many can expect a normal lifespan. In some cases, though, the condition may be life-threatening and can affect one or more vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, or liver. Many treatments can prove Although there have been many strides to fight against Lupus, we must seek out a cure and not rely on potentially toxic treatments. Please show your support by displaying a ribbon on your images. For more information please visit the following sites: http://www.lupus.org http://www.lupusresearch.org http://www.lupusresearchinstitute.org/