The bad news of Nollywood actress Kemi Afolabi about her health status, ihas caused a shock in the social media space, as her fans & well-wishers showered lots of prayers on her. According to her in her interview with Chude, she has 5 years to live due to the disease called Lupus.
Here are important things you should know about the life-threatening ailment.
What is Lupus?
Lupus is a disease of the immune system – it is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your body’s own immune system is responsible for the inflammation and breakdown of its own cells.
Normally, your immune system protects your body from infection.This means that the immune system fights infections by producing antibodies that bind to the microbes.
However, when a person has lupus, their immune system attacks their own tissues. People with lupus produce abnormal antibodies in their blood that target tissues within their own body rather than foreign infectious agents. These antibodies are referred to as autoantibodies.This leads to tissue damage and illness.
What Causes Lupus?
The precise reason for the abnormal autoimmune that causes lupus is not known. Inherited genes, viruses, ultraviolet light, and certain medications may play some role.
Lupus is not caused by an infectious microorganism and is not contagious from one person to another.
Genetic factors increase the tendency of developing autoimmune diseases, and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune thyroid disorders are more common among relatives of people with lupus than the general population.
Symptoms of Lupus
Symptoms can vary, depending on the individual. General symptoms associated with lupus include
- low-grade fever,
- loss of appetite,
- nausea,
- muscle aches,
- joint pains,
- fatigue.
More specific symptoms include skin changes (see below), ulcers of the mouth and nose, photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight), and decreased circulation to the fingers and toes with cold exposure.
Lupus diet
Healthcare professionals haven’t established a specific diet for people with lupus.In general, aim to eat a well balanced diet. This can include things like:
- fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, or mackerel
- foods high in calcium, such as low fat dairy products
- whole grain carbohydrate sources
- a blend of colorful fruits and vegetables
Is Lupus curable?
Currently, there’s no cure for lupus. Doctors and scientists continue their research to better understand lupus and develop new treatments for the condition. However, many different types of treatments can help a lupus patient manage the symptoms. Treatment for lupus focuses on several factors:
- treating lupus symptoms when you have them
- preventing lupus flares from occurring
- reducing the amount of damage that occurs to the joints and organs
Following a healthcare professional’s recommended treatment regimen is important in helping you to manage your symptoms and to live a fulfilling life.
Who can have it?
Lupus affects about 10 times as many women as men. Most times, it develops in people between the age of 15 and 44. Though Lupus is more prevalent among women, it can also affect men and children, as well as people of all ages.
While lupus can occur at any age, it’s most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 44.
Having a family history of lupus means that you’re at a greater risk of developing the condition.
