Brenda McGrane of Iowa is a cytology graduate of the Mayo Clinic, and has worked alongside industry leaders at both the Mayo Clinic and Standford University Medical Center. In the following article, Brenda McGrane discusses Lupus, the diagnosis, its history, and research, so that more people can be aware of the disease and its effects on the body. Lupus may be a scary disease, but that does not mean it is hopeless term. In fact, the key to minimizing the common fear of lupus and gaining awareness, as well as the possibility of ending it, lies in developing an understanding of it. Lupus is caused by the immune system inflaming the body and attacking its own tissue. While this disease is currently treatable, it is unable to be cured. It requires various lab tests to properly diagnose, and it affects the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, blood cells, lungs, and heart. So far, more than $64 million has been raised in research funding for lupus. In this article, Brenda McGrane provides an accurate understanding of lupus by describing exactly what the disease entails, how it is diagnosed, and how observers can become aware of lupus and its impacts. By the conclusion, the disease will not only be understood, but hope for the end of this illness should be within reach!

Awareness

Brenda McGrane of Iowa notes that in order to raise awareness and make clear the avenues of involvement for all people, she intends to discuss more details on the condition. She hopes to clear up any confusion associated with the disease while providing a hopeful future for those affected. Brenda McGrane explains that the more thoroughly lupus is understood, the easier it will be to spread awareness of the disease and work toward counteracting it!

Lupus Explained

First and foremost, lupus is a disease that is known as “chronic,” which simply means “long-term.” It’s effects can last as long as a few months, years, or even a lifetime. Lupus is an autoimmune disease. These diseases are characterized by a malfunction of the body’s immune system, deciding to attack one’s own body instead of fighting outside infections. Brenda McGrane of Iowa says that healthy tissues, such as the joints and skin, are the most commonly affected, but more vital organs such as the heart and lungs can be attacked as well. Lupus comes in a few different types. One is cutaneous lupus, which only affects the skin. Another is drug-induced lupus, and the most common is SLE, or systemic lupus erythematosus. One of the rarest types is neonatal lupus, which is when the infant of a woman with lupus also has lupus.

How Lupus is Diagnosed

Lupus is officially diagnosed by licensed medical professionals who will first search for symptoms of it throughout a patient’s body. Doctors will search for a rash first, but they will also need a urine or blood test to be certain that the lupus is actually present. Brenda McGrane of Iowa says that they then look for antinuclear antibodies; if these are present, it means that there is a positive diagnosis. Other symptoms that may be present are a rash across the face, raised patches of red skin, ulcers in the nose and mouth area, irritated skin, arthritis, swelling in multiple joints, protein in the urine, and nervous system issues such as seizures. Due to the wide variety of symptoms, doctors must use multiple tests, often starting diagnosis by asking important health history questions.

The Impact of Lupus and What Scientists Are Doing About It

Brenda McGrane of Iowa maintains that the impact of lupus is impossible to understate; more than one million people in the United States of America alone have lupus and must live with its effects. Anyone is capable of developing lupus, but it is not contagious. Many of the symptoms are impossible to ignore, such as extreme fatigue, joint pain, hair loss, strokes, rashes, and other physical impairments that affect daily life. Around 10 to 15 percent of those that die from lupus are believed to have passed prematurely due to related complications. Unfortunately, 63% of all Americans are reported to have never even heard of lupus, and they do not know that it takes far longer than their average guess of 6 months to accurately diagnose this troubling disease. However, Brenda McGrane notes that assets like the PARTNERS network, which brings together organizations to raise awareness of lupus in children, and other volunteer research opportunities are combatting this lack of understanding.

In Conclusion

Brenda McGrane of Iowa says that one of the best ways to combat lupus is to simply understand the symptoms and seek prompt medical attention. Raising awareness is crucial so that others can participate in investigations and studies geared towards ending this autoimmune disease.