SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYHTEMATOSUS

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease in which there occurs pain and inflammation in the whole body. The immune system protects the body against the foreign micro-organisms but in systemic lupus erythematosus, the immune system starts damaging the body’s own cells. It leads to fever, skin rashes, joint pain and damage of organs. The chances of infections get increased. It occurs most commonly among females than males. The symptoms of lupus may come and go in episodes – flare-ups. It affects different body systems such as skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart and lungs.

However, there is no permanent cure of systemic lupus erythematosus but with lifestyle changes and some medications, its symptoms can be managed and the quality of life can be improved.

TYPES OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

There are 3 types of Systemic lupus erythematosus:

• Cutaneous Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Drug-induced Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Neonatal Systemic lupus erythematosus

CAUSES OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

As it is an autoimmune disease, the immune system of the body could not differentiate between the body’s own cells and the outside cells. This leads to damaging of the body’s own cells by the immune system. The reason for this lack of differentiation by the immune system is not known but there are some of the factors which can be responsible for this:

• Certain type of body infections
• Excessive exposure to sun
• Medications of blood pressure, seizures or antibioitics

RISK FACTORS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Some of the factors which increase the risk of person developing the disease are:

• Though it can affect people of any age group, it most commonly occurs between the age group of 15 to 45 years
• Women are more affected than men
• Some races like Hispanic, African Americans, Asian Americans are more affected

SYMPTOMS OF SLE

The signs and symptoms of Systemic lupus erythematosus can range from mild to severe. They either occur suddenly or in a gradual way. The symptoms of SLE occur in episodes. These are called flare ups. Following are the signs and symptoms of it:

• Fever
• Skin rashes
• Butterfly rash in face – it covers cheeks and bridge of the nose
• Stiffness and joint pain
• Pain in chest
• Difficulty in breathing
• Dryness in eyes
• Headache
• Loss of memory
• Mental confusion
• Swelling in joints
• Pain in stomach
• Seizures
• Mouth ulcers
• Tiredness
• Anemia
• Hairfall
• Blood clotting problems
• Raynaud’s phenomenon

COMPLICATIONS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Following are the complications which are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus:

• Inflammation of blood vessels
• Presence of blood clots
• Inflammation of heart
• Stroke
• Loss of memory
• Behavioral changes
• Seizures
• Inflammation of pleura – covering of lungs
• Heart attack
• Kidney dysfunction
• Kidney failure

DIAGNOSIS OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

The doctor will do a complete physical examination of the patient. He will ask about the signs and symptoms of the disease. He will take his family history. He will make the patient do some of the following tests:

• Complete blood count
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Liver function tests
• Kidney function tests
• Urinalysis
• Antinuclear antibody tests
• Chest X-ray
• ECG
• Biopsy

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTER’S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS

Here are some of the following medicines which are used for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus:

1. Detox Premium Powder

Detox premium powder of CAC are specially formulated for ulcerative collitis. The various ingredients used for the formation of these sachets are Prawal pishti, Shukta pishti, Giloy satv, Kehrva pishti, Jahar Mohra pishti, Sutshekhar ras, Kamdudha ras that in combination provide good relief on the signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis patients.
– Shukta pishti: This is prepared from pearl oyster shell calcium. This pishti shows antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties that treat the fever and reduces ankle swelling.
– Prawal pishti: It is made from coral calcium that provide cooling effect and also reduces vitiated pitta doshas.
– Giloy satv: This herbal satv remove all toxins from the body. It reduces excessive Pitta from the body. It increases the RBC, WBC or platelets associated with SLE patients.
– Akik pishti: It is a mineral-based medicine that reduces excessive heat, weakness, & general debility.
Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice a day with normal water.

2. Pain-O-kill Tablets

As the name suggests these tablets will kill the pain naturally. The herbs present in the formation of these tablets are Ashwagandha, Hadjod, Punarnava, Nirgundi, Methi, Garlic, etc. These herbs in combination show antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulator properties. The regular use of these tablets reduce body pain and acts on its root cause.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

3. Twak Tailam

Twak tailam is very effective for the skin as it deeply nourishes the tissues and improves the skin luster. The tailam is composed of yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. The tailam supports skin health, helps in reducing uneven pigments, improves complexion, and helps in deep detoxification and blood purification without any side effects.

Method of Application– Apply over the affected area of the skin.

4. Nerve Up Tablet

It is pure herbo-mineral formulation which helps to balance the vata dosha. It act as nervine stimulator and also reduces Kapha doshas. It mainly acts on central nervous system. It contains natural ingredients like Shudha kuchala, Shudha shilajeet, Praval pishti etc. These contains natural Vatahar properties and helps in curing vata diseases. It speeds up physical and mental processes. It helps in painful joints, stiffness , inflammation, swelling and general weakness.
Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water after meal.

5. Curcumin Capsule

Curcumin Capsule helps in pacifying all three doshas. Curcumin Capsule is beneficial for variety of skin conditions like Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dermatitis. This Capsule contains standardized extract of the herb Curcumin (Curcuma longa). Curcumin is the active ingredient in Turmeric having powerful Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-microbial and Antioxidant properties.
Recommended Dosage: Take 2 capsules twice daily.

6. Rasayan vati

CAC Rasayan vati is herbo-mineral ayurvedic formulation, which is 100% natural. Rasayan vati contains various herbs such as Aswagandha, Shilajeet, Amla, Kesar, Musali, Shatavar, Brahmi , Mukta pisti, Praval pisti, Jaiphal, Vang Bhasam, Dalchini, Javitri, Gokhru, Kaunch Beej, Saunth, Mirch, Pipli, Amla, Kesar, Manjith, Anant Mool, Brahmi, Musali, Swarn Vang, etc. These ingredients show antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, immuno-modulator properties.  These tablets provide good results in General debility, Psychological disorders, and improves immunity.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily.