KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- A complex autoimmune disease, Lupus, poses a significant diagnostic challenge due to its symptoms that closely resemble those of other illnesses, according to Sunway Medical Centre’s Consultant Rheumatologist Dr Cheah Chee Ken.
In fact, he said that the situation often results in misdiagnosis or delayed treatment, which could lead to severe complications if the condition is not identified and managed promptly.
Dr Cheah said the autoimmune condition turns the body's immune system against itself with a broad range of symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, rash and fever, which can be mild to severe, would cause inflammation and damage to any organ in the body, most commonly the skin, joints, and internal organs.
“Lupus can manifest in myriad forms, each as unique as the individual it affects. It’s a disease of flares and remissions, which make the diagnosis and management particularly challenging.
“These symptoms may come and go, often flaring up (worsening) and then, remitting. They can also develop gradually or appear suddenly,” he said in a statement today, adding that over the past 30 years, about 10,000 Malaysians have been diagnosed with Lupus with a higher prevalence among women.
Dr Cheah said the complications from Lupus can be extensive, affecting multiple body systems including lupus nephritis, which can cause kidney failure, neurological issues like seizures and cognitive impairments, cardiovascular problems including heart attacks and strokes respiratory issues and blood disorders like anaemia
Thus, early detection is important and provides the opportunity for early treatment, and helps to manage the disease as well as significantly reducing the severity of complications, he said.
Dr Cheah explained that Lupus not only impacts the physical body but also takes a significant toll on mental health and can lead to anxiety and depression, hence the importance of mental health support for lupus patients such as support groups, counselling and therapy.
In managing Lupus, he said treatment options and lifestyle modifications go hand in hand to ensure effective control over the symptoms.
-- BERNAMA
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