Monday, May 10th was a day to raise awareness and understanding of lupus. World Lupus Day aims to share resources, stories, and struggles of those who live with lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects people around the globe.
In fact, an estimated 5 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with lupus. However, most of those diagnosed are women. Common symptoms of lupus include joint pain, skin rashes, fatigue, and fevers. These symptoms can last for days or weeks.
If you are experiencing these symptoms or there is a known history of lupus within your family, consult a doctor for an official diagnosis.
While there is no known cure, lupus can be managed through early detection and medical care. By raising awareness of the condition, there is hope that individuals can detect lupus early.
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World Lupus Day aims not only to raise awareness amongst patients and their families but healthcare professionals as well. Medical breakthroughs have improved the lives of lupus patients, but there is still a long way to go.
Patients share that holistic approaches were more healing for them instead of biomedical interventions usually suggested by doctors. Additionally, others have expressed that the proper tests for lupus were not suggested for them, leaving them to detect lupus later in life.
Some with lupus are urging doctors to do their own research on holistic approaches so that they are better informed for their patients. Studies have shown that exercise, reduced stress, and a healthy diet can help to reduce triggers and symptoms of lupus.
However, this sometimes differs from what is talked about in the doctor’s office. Instead, some physicians still prescribe medications proven to cause harmful side effects. World Lupus Day has become a day to increase awareness, and also accountability.
