Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Lupus is one of many disorders of the immune system known as autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system turns against the body it's designed to protect for unknown reasons. Most often when people speak of lupus, they are speaking of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and it is what this article primarily is about. SLE is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease that affects nearly every organ system in the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and central nervous system. SLE is only one type of lupus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus: This is a chronic disease that tends to have flares and remissions. Different organs and organ systems will be affected at different times during the course of the disease. There may be times when you feel well and others when you feel terrible. Medications and other therapies can lessen the severity of flares, increase the length of time between flares, and reduce your risk of serious disease manifestations. Although SLE is not considered curable, patients can enjoy periods of extended remission with virtually no clinical activity, and even the disappearance of antinuclear antibodies (an important immune system chemical associated with SLE).

I am SLE patient since I was 11th years old. Now I'm 26th years old.