Causes And Risk Factors Of A Baker's Cyst

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that causes systemic inflammation throughout the body. The disease can affect the heart, kidneys, brain, joints, and lungs. Patients may experience fatigue, headaches, anxiety, weight loss, joint pain, and depression. Some might also develop a facial rash across the cheeks and the bridge of the nose; this is sometimes referred to as a butterfly rash. Anemia, chest pain, mouth ulcers, and hair loss have been observed. To diagnose this condition, doctors will perform a complete blood count to check for low hemoglobin, a reduced white count, and a reduced platelet count. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test that measures the hourly rate at which a patient's red blood cells settle in a test tube could also aid diagnosis. Kidney and liver function tests and a urinalysis might be ordered too. If lupus is confirmed, patients may be treated with immunosuppressants, anti-malarial drugs, or corticosteroids. Intravenous infusions of belimumab help to reduce symptoms for some patients. Potential side effects from the infusion include nausea, vomiting, arm or leg pain, and insomnia. Another medication, rituximab, is also given by intravenous infusion, and this medicine can help patients who have not been successful with other treatments.