Patient Resources
What is Lupus?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a disease that causes your body's immune system to attack its own cells and tissues. It causes episodes of inflammation to various parts of the body. It can affect your joints, tendons, and skin. It can affect blood vessels. And it can affect organs, such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. It can cause rashes, fatigue, pain, and fever. The heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain are the organs most affected. Severe lupus can cause harm to organs and other serious problems.
Lupus is a long-term (chronic) disease. It affects each person differently. The effects of the illness range from mild to severe. Symptoms of lupus may come and go. These are sometimes known as flare-ups, periods of remission, and relapse. Lupus has no known cure, but medicines may help manage symptoms. You can help manage lupus by living a healthy lifestyle and working with your healthcare provider. In children, lupus tends to get worse more quickly than in adults. Children may be affected in different ways, having mild to life-threatening symptoms.
More helpful resources about Lupus can be found in the following websites:
