Factors
which influence Lupus
There
are a number of factors that adversely influence lupus. These include stress,
certain drugs and chemicals, hormone changes and ultraviolet light, i.e. from
the sun. Despite these factors, the majority of patients experience flares for unknown
reasons.
Stress
There is some scientific basis (clinical observation) for stating
that stress often has a dramatic effect on the course of lupus. It is known that
stress has a marked effect on the immune system and studies of bereavement, for
example, have shown. For milder
flares, stress can be a provocative. Unfortunately, it is impossible to get rid
of stress altogether.
Drugs
Certain drugs can exacerbate lupus. These include sulphonamides and
sulphur-containing drugs such as the antibiotic, Septrin and occasionally,
penicillin. There is research into whether other chemicals, such as nitrates,
may affect lupus, but as yet, the evidence is not strong. Food additives or
chemical sprays in agriculture and industry also need investigating.
Hormones
Hormonal changes may affect lupus; cases of childbirth have
indicated that the rapid
hormonal changes during and after pregnancy seem to coincide with a flare. In particular, the premenstrual period, as well as the
three to four days after a period, are especially irritating for some women with
lupus and increased therapy may be necessary.
Ultraviolet light
UV light may cause a lupus flare and for some lupus patients, a
holiday in the sun can lead to the onset of the disease. Advice regarding sun
protection is not straightforward because not all lupus patients are
sun-sensitive. However, about a half of patients are photosensitive and
the degree of their sun-sensitivity may vary. For example, during an acute phase, some patients
become photosensitive, but they may get over this problem. It is wise to be cautious
and use sunscreens and to avoid excess direct UV exposure, especially during the
middle of the day(10-2 p.m). Even in the car there may be direct UV exposure (through
the windows, etc.) and it is important to wear long sleeves and a hat (although
this may be somewhat uncomfortable in a Tropical climate). Nevertheless,
stories about sun-sensitivity can be exaggerated and there is no reason to think
that if one has lupus, then that person is automatically condemned to a life indoors!
Other factors
The majority of patients have no idea why the disease flares and
there has been research into risk factors. Certain virus infections, such as
influenza or other groups
Immunization
This is a complicated issue because certain patients do flare following
vaccination and immunization. The central premise in immunology is that an injected protein can
stimulate the immune response, however, it may also lead to a grossly exaggerated
reaction in a lupus
patient. The advice is to limit immunization to the absolute minimum requirement
for the particular country visited, or as is deemed necessary for health, recognizing that
in some countries,
immunization or vaccination is mandatory in order to prevent certain illnesses.