As a parent, there’s a lot you can do to help your child with lupus. Learning as much as you can about the disease is an important first step. Lupus is a chronic disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of the body. The immune system attacks healthy tissue and it can cause organ damage.
Lupus can be frightening for children. It most often affects the joints, skin and major internal organs such as the liver, brain, kidneys, heart or lungs. Lupus tends to be more robust in children than in adults.
People diagnosed in childhood are more likely to have higher rates of organ damage than people diagnosed as adults.
If you are a parent of a child with lupus, you know how difficult it is to comfort your child and help to alleviate the symptoms. It’s important to learn as much as you can about lupus and to visit a pediatric rheumatologist.
Experts believe that lupus develops in response to a combination of factors, including hormones, genetics, and environmental triggers. Here are some triggers:
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or fluorescent lights
- Infections
- Exhaustion (feeling very tired)
- Physical or emotional stress
- Low vitamin D
- Cigarette smoke, including second-hand smoke
Once your child’s physician diagnoses lupus, the physician will prescribe specific medicine for your child and discuss ways to manage the symptoms.
For more information visit Lupus.org