As heat waves persist in North India, doctors are observing a significant rise in cases of lupus, an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, affecting multiple organs. Dr. Lalit Duggal, Senior Consultant in Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, reported on Wednesday that the heat waves have led to 6 to 10 new cases of lupus.
Lupus, which predominantly affects women aged 15 to 45, can impact various body systems including the skin, joints, lungs, kidneys, gut, liver, heart, and brain. Dr. Duggal emphasized that the disease can present with a variety of symptoms, sometimes starting with a persistent fever. He stressed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for high suspicion and awareness of the disease’s complications among physicians.
Environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking, use of oral contraceptives, postmenopausal hormones, and viral infections can trigger lupus in individuals with a genetic predisposition. The most recognizable symptoms include red, photosensitive patches on the cheeks and nose, resembling wolf bite marks, from which the disease derives its name. Other symptoms can include ulcers in the mouth, nose, and genital areas.
Dr. Duggal warned that lupus can have more severe manifestations, such as kidney disease, which can lead to irreversible damage if not treated promptly. Treatment varies depending on the severity and the organs affected. For skin involvement, treatment may include the application of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50, along with hydroxychloroquine and possibly low-dose steroids. More severe cases, particularly those affecting major organs like the kidneys, lungs, or brain, may require aggressive immunosuppressive therapy.
As reported by Ten News, Dr. Duggal noted that patients with lupus can lead normal, healthy lives with proper management and close supervision by experts. He underscored the importance of maintaining good control over the disease to prevent severe complications.