Systemic Lupus Erythmatosus (SLE or Lupus), is a chronic disease with a variety of symptoms caused by inflammation in one or more parts of the body. It belongs to the family of diseases that includes rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and other conditions. SLE can target any of the body's tissues, and it manifests itself in many ways. Because everyone's Lupus experience is different, it is often referred to as the disease of a thousand faces.
How common is lupus?
- It affects 15,000 (1 in 2,000) Canadians.
- Women develop lupus up to 10 times more often than men.
- It usually occurs in women between the ages of 15 and 45.
Lupus can affect men, women, and children of any age, but it occurs most often in women of childbearing age (ages 15 to 45). Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is eight to 10 times more common in women than men.
- The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that approximately 1.5-million Americans have a form of lupus.
- Although lupus can strike men and women of all ages, 90% of individuals diagnosed with the disease are women, and 80% of those afflicted with systemic lupus develop it between the ages of 15 and 45.
- While lupus is a widespread disease, awareness of the disease lags behind many other illnesses.
- A survey of Lupus Foundation of America members suggests that more than half of those afflicted with lupus suffered at least four years, and saw three or more doctors before obtaining a correct diagnosis of lupus.
This is why I am doing this blog; this disease needs way more attention than it is getting right now. More people must be educated about what Lupus is and its affect on people.
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