Latest news with #SystemicLupusErythematosus
The Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
NGOs raise lupus awareness with fun walk
The annual 10km Lupus Awareness Fun Walk took place on May 31 in Mamelodi. World Lupus Day is recognised on May 10. We Also Sparkle and Waratwa foundations held the walk to close off the awareness month and shine a spotlight on the illness. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), also known as lupus, is an autoimmune disease that affects each individual differently. Lupus affects both men and women, and symptoms range from fatigue to joint pain and skin rashes and can affect multiple organs. The awareness walk started in Mamelodi East on Motsumi Street, Ext 4, Moon Park to Top T in Nellmapius and back, making up a distance of the 10km. The day started with a warm-up session by Adventure for Fun to get participants ready for the walk and ended with a festival of colours. Speakers from both NGOs and partnering organisations spoke on the importance of annual events that commemorate serious illness. 'What I can say is that with your support, we will be able to spread awareness about lupus across the country. The more people are aware of lupus, the fewer people with die from it. At least if you know you have lupus, you can manage it. Others don't even get that chance because it kills the organs in the body, and by the time it's diagnosed, it's too late,' Komati said. She added that, despite having flare-ups and challenges, giving in to the disease is not an option. She also insisted that those living with lupus register on their website, as there are currently no statistics regarding lupus in South Africa. Tisetso Khuele (31), a resident living with lupus, said that without the support of close friends and family, the disease would have claimed her life long ago. 'My symptoms first started with my feet swelling, my hands turning blue, I'd pass out randomly, and it only got worse throughout the years until I was diagnosed with lupus in 2009. The symptoms started when I was 14, but I didn't know what it was. No one knew lupus, and where do you even start? So, I was shocked because it was something new, so we had to search for specialists, I had to find a doctor to help me manage the condition,' Khuele said. She added that since being on medication, she can live more easily, maintain a job and a healthy lifestyle. She dedicated her walk to friends who have died from lupus and urged those who receive their diagnosis to keep pushing, as they can still make it. Her mother, Esther Khuele, said her wish was that more mothers and daughters would attend campaigns such as these, as though lupus can affect men, it's more prevalent among women. Esther is the founder of Lila Butterfly Lupus Foundation. 'As Tiseto mentioned, her symptoms began at 14. That's a tender age where you think it's just changes related to adolescence, the fatigue and things like mood changes can be chalked up to a child being a child, not realising something big is on the horizon. We've experienced days where we woke up with her hands and feet being blue, I'm talking blue like denim. She's not talking, eyes protruding out of the sockets, lung issues, being exposed to the sun, there were times we had to cut vacations short because of it,' Esther said. She said more education is needed about the disease as it is a silent killer, claiming young and old lives alike. Her organisation intends to spread the message till the country is sensitised to Lupus. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Star
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Walk A Payung in support of SLE patients
Better awareness: Participants in purple shirts and umbrellas doing the 3km walk around Titiwangsa Lake, Kuala Lumpur, held in conjunction with World Lupus Day. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Shades of purple filled Titiwangsa Lake as more than 400 participants gathered for Walk A Payung 2025, a 3km walking programme, held in conjunction with World Lupus Day. The event yesterday saw not only patients with the chronic autoimmune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) taking part, but also family members and members of the public, all dressed in purple shirts and carrying purple umbrellas – a symbol of solidarity and protection against the sun's rays, which can trigger lupus symptoms. President of the Malaysian SLE Society (PSLEM), Prof Dr Syahrul Sazliyana Shaharir, said the annual event, organised in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), aimed to raise public awareness on SLE, a condition that affects 43 out of every 100,000 Malaysians. 'This year's celebration has been very encouraging, reflecting growing public awareness of SLE, especially through the educational booth provided as a space for interaction between patients and the general public,' she said. Dr Syahrul Sazliyana shared this with Bernama after the director of the Family Health Development Division of the Health Ministry, Datuk Dr Norsiah Ali, launched the event. A book, iLawanLupus: A Patient Dialogue, a collaboration between PSLEM and AstraZeneca, to increase public understanding on SLE, was also launched at the event. The book will be distributed as educational material for the public. Mazni Ibrahim, 54, who has participated in the programme several times, said her participation was to provide understanding to her immediate family about her struggle as an SLE patient for over 20 years. 'I always bring my siblings and nieces to join Walk A Payung because in the early stages, they didn't understand. Usually, people think SLE patients look healthy, but in reality, our bodies are very weak,' she said. Nor Ezzati Nor Albashri, 33, who works in the food quality control department in Shah Alam, is present to support her good friend, Dr Jazmira Jasni, who was diagnosed with SLE last year. 'Since she was diagnosed, I have always given her moral support, accompanied her when she was admitted to the hospital and made sure she wasn't too tired or stressed. 'Alhamdulillah, now she is stronger and understands how to manage this disease. So today is a significant event for her,' she said. Dr Jazmira, 33, who works at the Jinjang Health Clinic, described her participation in the programme as a symbol of strength and a new beginning in her fight against SLE. 'I am an active person – I like to hike, run – but my life has changed 360° since I got SLE. 'Now I have to be more careful because the heart is one of the organs affected. But I am grateful to have friends always by my side,' she said.
The Hindu
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
All you need to know about: Lupus
While the general prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in India is reported as 3.2 per 100,000 population, specific data on various types of lupus within India are limited. Studies on SLE in India have primarily focused on the overall disease prevalence and its clinical features. According to studies, lupus care in India faces challenges related to access, cost and awareness. Specifically, limited access to specialised rheumatologists, financial burdens, and inadequate insurance coverage contribute to difficulties in diagnosis and management. Furthermore, stigmas associated with chronic illnesses and lack of awareness among healthcare providers and the public can lead to delays in seeking medical help. What is lupus? Lupus is a long-term, progressive autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue throughout the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lupus can affect any part of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that lupus involves chronic stimulation of the immune system, and its exact cause remains unknown. The Lancetdescribes lupus as a multisystemic autoimmune disease marked by the presence of autoantibodies against nuclear antigens, immune complex deposition, and chronic inflammation -- primarily affecting classic target organs like the skin, joints, and kidneys Lupus, has several forms, with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) being the most common and serious type. Other forms include Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE), which primarily affects the skin. Within CLE, there are further subtypes like Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE), which is characterised by circular lesions, and Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (SCLE), which often presents with rashes and joint pain. Drug-induced lupus can occur as a side effect of certain medications, while neonatal lupus affects newborns. What are the signs and symptoms ? Signs and symptoms of lupus can be wide-ranging and unpredictable. It is a highly variable disease. This means that the symptoms, their severity, and the way the disease progresses can differ significantly from person to person -- with some experiencing mild symptoms and others facing life-threatening complications. The most common symptom, as reported by the CDC, is extreme fatigue, which can significantly impact both physical and mental well-being. Other frequent symptoms include pain or swelling in the joints and muscles, fevers, hair loss, frequent mouth sores, and a characteristic butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose. Less common but important symptoms may involve chest pain during deep breathing, heightened sensitivity to sunlight, cognitive and mental health changes, damage to the eyes, and complications in vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys. The WHO emphasises that the variation in affected organs may reflect different underlying immune pathways, supported by distinct autoantibody profiles. These symptoms tend to occur in episodes, known as flares, which can be followed by periods of remission where symptoms temporarily subside. Who is at risk? Anyone can be at risk of being affected by lupus. However, certain populations are more vulnerable. The CDC and a report in Nature highlight that it primarily occurs among women between puberty and menopause and is more common among individuals of African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Indigenous descent. While its can occur at any age, it's most often diagnosed between 15 and 45 years old. It affects approximately 3.4 million people worldwide, with 400,000 individuals being newly diagnosed each year Though the exact cause remains unknown, WHO suggests that genetic predisposition combined with hormonal and environmental triggers likely contributes to disease development. Studies also indicate that the chance of developing SLE is believed to be associated with genetic factors, epigenetic factors , environmental triggers, and hormonal factors. Differences in clinical patterns among patients suggest that multiple disease mechanisms may be involved, making the condition highly individualised. What are the treatment options? Treatment for lupus aims to manage symptoms, prevent organ damage, and maintain low disease activity or achieve remission. The Lancet outlines current therapeutic approaches --under personalised guidance from heathcare professionals --- starting with hydroxychloroquine as a baseline medication, often supplemented with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants depending on severity. In recent years, newer therapies like belimumab, anifrolumab, and voclosporin have been approved, particularly improving outcomes for patients with lupus nephritis -- a kidney disease caused by SLE. Alongside medications, non-pharmacological strategies are essential, including lifestyle interventions, sun protection, mental health support, and patient education to improve quality of life and treatment adherence. The WHO points out that despite medical advances, there is still no universally reliable marker for diagnosis or disease activity, and access to newer treatments remains unequal globally. The primary goals of treatment are to suppress immune overactivity, manage flares, and reduce long-term complications such as infections, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease caused both by the illness and its treatments.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Rheumatologist to talk about SLE on World Lupus Day on Friday
The JSS Radio 91.2 MHz will feature an interview with Mahabaleshwar, a rheumatologist at JSS Hospital in Mysuru, to create awareness on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) to mark World Lupus Day on Saturday. The interview will be aired at 8 a.m. and repeated at 5 p.m. the same day. Shivakumar of JSS Radio said the interview will highlight the necessity of early detection of the disease, continuous care under specialists, and importance of awareness campaign of the disease. World Lupus Day was launched in 2004 when patient organisations from 13 nations banded together to call for improved treatment and increased public awareness of SLE. Furnishing information on the scenario in India, a release stated that there are 14 to 60 cases of this chronic autoimmune disease for every 1,00,000 people, and it underscores the prevalence and the imperatives of the significance of early detection and treatment. While there is no cure for SLE, prompt care and support can greatly enhance quality of life, according to experts. The release noted that Dr. Mahabaleshwar will throw light on SLE, cause, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, frequency of doctor consultation, imperatives of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, etc.
Hindustan Times
05-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Doctor shares ‘what your face is telling you about your health': From dark circles to facial redness
We usually glance at our reflection to fix our hair or check for a pimple, but your face might be telling you a lot more than just how you look. Dr. Adrian, functional medicine doctor, MD in thyroid, PCO and gut health, often shares insights related to health and wellness with his Insta family. In one of his posts, he uncovers what your face might be revealing about your overall health. (Also read: Ambanis, Sachin Tendulkar's health coach reveals why bread is 'gutter' for your gut: 'Most dangerous thing you can eat' ) A post shared by | THYROID, PCOS, GUT & HORMONES (@ • PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, along with adrenal gland and thyroid disorders, leads to hormonal imbalances that affect ovarian health. • Hypothyroidism: A condition often associated with a slow metabolism. • Low iodine levels: Iodine deficiency, commonly from inadequate dietary intake, especially if not consuming iodised salt. • Histamine problems: Allergies and other conditions that can cause redness. • Adrenal issues: Imbalances in cortisol production related to energy and stress levels. • Low vitamin B12: A common deficiency in vegetarians and vegans. • Infections: Could be a sign of fungal or bacterial infections. • Dry mouth or dehydration: Often due to inadequate hydration. • Hormonal imbalances: Especially high estrogen levels. • Anaemia: Low iron levels, often symbolised by a blood test or syringe, contribute to under-eye darkness. • SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): A classic symptom of lupus. • Rosacea: Redness that resembles rose petals. • Sun exposure: UV rays act as a trigger for the rash. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
