Life changed for Julia Peralta after she was diagnosed with lupus 10 years ago, a disease that changed her life. Before receiving the diagnosis, she suffered from extreme fatigue, problems moving, joint pain and swelling, fever, Struggling with hair. loss, among others.
For several months he went to several specialists until he decided to see a rheumatologist who, after doing a series of tests, diagnosed him with “systemic lupus erythematosus.” His body had already deteriorated greatly. , His wounds, arthritis and his organs were visible. The victim’s heart and lungs were damaged and one of his kidneys was damaged.
For young Peralta, being a victim of this pathology has caused her many physical and work limitations, “Dealing with this disease has been very difficult, there are days when I am able to do everything and feel very active but some others in which I wake up with such severe pain in my joints that I cannot move”.
Medical opinion
Dr. Edwin Castillo, in charge of the epidemiological program at the “Generoso Guardia” polyclinic of the Social Security Fund (CSS), indicated that it is a chronic autoimmune disease that mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs, including the joints, the brain, the skin. , heart, lungs and kidneys.
Symptoms of lupus
Joint pain, weight loss, fever, joint pain and swelling, fatigue, hair loss, mouth sores, butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rash on the rest of the body, mouth sores.
Treatment
Medications commonly prescribed to control lupus include the following: anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids, since “lupus has no cure, but lifestyle changes and following your treating physician’s recommendations Doing this can help control it.” , noted Dr. Castillo.
Recommendations
Visit your doctor regularly, keep strict control over your medicines, avoid direct sunlight, use sunscreen, exercise regularly, avoid crowded places, maintain a healthy diet.
Since 2004, “World Lupus Day” has been celebrated every May 10, with the aim of prioritizing health services, increasing research on causes and its treatment, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiological studies of the global impact of the disease. Focuses on the need to improve.
