The uncomfortable truth; lupus is more common in females than males. Nine out of ten adults with the condition are female. Black females are three times more likely to develop lupus than white females. Clearly, Black women are in no position to ignore the early signs of lupus. Especially because the signs and symptoms of lupus can sometimes mimic other conditions, which makes it difficult to diagnose. We have to be assertive when it comes to even the smallest signs and symptoms. Our health and wellbeing is a priority.
Lupus is a chronic disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). With autoimmune diseases, the body’s immune system cannot tell the difference between bacteria, viruses, and any other germs, as well as the body’s healthy cells, organs and tissues. In shorter terms, your immune system damages your body instead of protecting it.
Black females are more likely to develop more severe cases of lupus, and at a younger age. Severe cases mean severe symptoms. These symptoms can come and go, known as “lupus flare up”. The most distinctive sign of lupus is a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly, and it looks like it’s unfolding across both cheeks.
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Other early signs and symptoms of lupus:
- Fatigue
- Unexplained fever
- Joint pain/stiffness
- Water retention(parts of the body swell, due to a build-up of trapped fluid)
- Skin sensitivity, lesions/rashes
- Sun sensitivity
- Kidney problems
- Hair loss
- Anemia
- Sharp pain in the chest
- Mouth ulcers/dryness
- Weight loss
Lupus has many effects on the body, this can lead to major complications that may develop over time, physically, and even impair a person’s mental and emotional health.
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These complications are:
- Pregnancy complications, which include an increased risk of miscarriage, risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and preterm birth (a birth that takes place too early, before the 37th week of pregnancy.)
- Kidney damage, and kidney failure is one of the leading causes of death among people with lupus.
- Central nervous system and brain damage may result in behavior changes, headaches and dizziness, vision problems, strokes and seizures. Many people with lupus experience memory loss/problems.
- Inflammation of the chest cavity lining leads to painful breathing. Pneumonia and bleeding into the lungs may also occur.
- Inflammation of your arteries, heart membrane and heart muscle can be triggered negatively by lupus. The risk of heart attacks increases greatly, as well as cardiovascular disease.
- Blood problems, including an increased risk of bleeding and blood clotting, a reduced number of healthy red blood cells (anemia) and inflammation of the blood vessels.
- Bone fractures/tiny breaks and bone tissue death occur when the blood supply to a bone declines.
- Clinical depression, meaning being in a continuous depressed mood or loss of interest in daily activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.
- Raynaud’s syndrome is also common in people with lupus. This is a condition where some areas of the body feel numb and cool in certain circumstances.
- A weakened immune system leads to one being more vulnerable to infection, this happens often.
- Skin scarring from long-standing patches. Dark spots can also occur.
- Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight), as sunlight can trigger more intense flare-ups
Jumping into diagnosis and treatment options, keep in mind the importance of having a culturally sensitive healthcare provider. One that will listen to understand your concerns, communicate effectively, is experienced in caring for Black women, and will treat you accordingly.
Having a culturally sensitive doctor will make all the difference in your diagnosis and treatment, which can be difficult because signs and symptoms of lupus may change over time, mimic other conditions, and vary from person to person.
What diagnosis looks like:
- Urinalysis may help determine if there are signs of increased protein levels or red blood cells in the urine, which may occur if lupus has affected your kidneys.
- Blood tests will assess how well your liver and kidneys are working, as well as measuring the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells), white blood cells, and platelets (cell fragments in our blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding). These blood results may indicate you have anemia, which commonly occurs in lupus. A low white blood cell or platelet count may occur in lupus as well.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is also a blood test that determines the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a medical tube in an hour. A faster-than-normal rate may indicate a systemic disease (lupus). The sedimentation rate may be elevated if you have lupus.
- Chest X-rays may reveal any abnormal shadows that suggest fluid or inflammation in the lungs.
- Skin biopsies are performed to diagnose if lupus has/is affecting the skin.
As I’ve mentioned before, having a culturally sensitive doctor will make all the difference in your diagnosis and treatment options. No one woman is the same and treatment for lupus looks different depending on your symptoms.
It takes careful consideration, ample discussion and sound judgment to treat a Black woman with lupus. Be sure to discuss all treatment options and risks/side effects, if any, with your healthcare provider.
What lupus treatment looks like:
- Medications that help prevent tissue damage and inflammation, like immunosuppressants (suppresses the immune system) may be helpful in serious cases of lupus.
- Medications that reduce inflammation, such as corticosteroids (steroid hormones). High doses of steroids such as methylprednisolone (Medrol) are often used to control serious diseases that involve the kidneys and brain.
- Over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD), like hydroxychloroquine. This medication helps relieve lupus symptoms and slow down how they progress (change or get worse).
RELATED: Is Lupus Contagious? Risk Factors, Causes, & Prevention
Tips for reducing lupus flares:
- Protect yourself from the sun (using sunscreen, wearing a hat and protective clothing). Ultraviolet light can trigger a flare-up.
- Quit smoking, as smoking increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Smoking can also worsen the effects of lupus on your heart and your blood vessels
- Schedule regular doctor visits to prevent minor and major complications and flares.
Sista, don’t ignore the early signs! You have got to stay on top of your health, your body will thank you.
