What is lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system is dysfunctional and mistakenly identifies the body’s own tissues as foreign invaders. In people with lupus, the immune system creates autoantibodies to attack the body’s tissues therefore, making them more susceptible to becoming unwell and getting a severe infection.
There are several triggers of lupus which can bring on a flare of symptoms in people with the condition, making them poorly and unable to travel. Potential lupus flare triggers are stress, UV light, certain medication, extreme fatigue, infection, injury and stopping lupus medication.
A lupus flare can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. A flare can bring on the following symptoms: headaches/migraines, skin rashes, severe joint/muscle aches and pains, extreme fatigue, brain-fog, fever, and oral/nasal ulcers. Flares can result in hospitalisation.
LUPUS UK is the only national registered charity supporting people with systemic lupus and discoid lupus and assisting those approaching diagnosis. The charity funds medical research, Specialist Lupus Nurses across the UK, and much-need aid through their Welfare Fund. The charity also supports all lupus patients, their family and friends through national support groups, face to face and online meetings, literature, and their social platforms.
