Is lupus considered an autoimmune disease or something different?”

Lupus, specifically known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system, which usually helps protect the body from infections, mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues. This can lead to inflammation and damage in different parts of the body, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.

Key Points About Lupus:

• Immune System Role: In lupus, the immune system is overactive and attacks the body’s own cells.
• Symptoms: People with lupus may experience joint pain, skin rashes, and fatigue.
• Impact: The disease can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and organs like the kidneys.

Understanding lupus as an autoimmune disease helps in recognizing the importance of managing the immune system’s activity to prevent damage to the body. Treatments often aim to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.