Lupus

• Fact: Nine out of 10 people who have lupus are women. It is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 45, though it can occur at any age.
• Proportion of risk that’s in your genes: 62 percent.
• What you can do: Take our genetic test for lupus. There aren’t clear-cut measures to prevent lupus, but with early diagnosis and treatment you can modify the severity of the disease and possibly prevent some complications of lupus.
• Did you know? Ultraviolet light can cause lupus to flare up, so people with the condition should avoid excessive sun exposure and be careful to use sun block.

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when your body’s immune system goes on the attack – against your own tissues and organs. The inflammation can wreak havoc on your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs.

About 300,000 Americans have lupus, and no two cases are exactly alike. Lupus symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent.

More than half of the risk of lupus is hereditary, but scientists know that environmental triggers play an important role as well. In fact, it is thought that you may inherit a predisposition to lupus, but not the disease itself. Doctors believe that while your genes set you up for the development of the condition, it isn’t until you come into contact with something in the environment – perhaps a medication, a chemical compound or a virus – that the disease is actually triggered. Our genetic testing service can help you determine whether you have a genetic predisposition to lupus.

There are no foolproof prevention strategies, and no proven methods for delaying the onset of lupus. Early diagnosis and treatment, however, can help ease the symptoms of lupus, control the disease and prevent some serious complications.

If you have a family history of lupus or are considered at high risk because of your genetic test results, monitor your health and talk with your doctor about any symptoms you notice. Some of the more common signs of lupus include joint pain and swelling, butterfly-shaped rashes on the face, and skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure.