21. A final word about prevention
Is it possible to prevent a disease deeply influenced by our genetics? In most cases, it is. In the case of lupus, there’s an interplay of genetic and environmental factors contributing to the onset of the disease. Yet, it is not fully understood whether or not lifestyle changes reduce your overall risk of suffering from systemic lupus erythematous. What we do know is that it is possible to prevent the progression of the disease.
As we mentioned previously, there are various types of lupus, and systemic lupus erythematosus is one of the most severe types because it involves many different tissues and organs throughout the body. It is possible to prevent the progression from lupus with cutaneous manifestation to a systemic form of the disease. By starting an early treatment and keeping your doctor’s recommendations, you can prevent a discoid lupus erythematosus from turning into a systemic lupus erythematosus. Thus, if you have discoid lesions, pay close attention to them and follow your doctor’s advice to the letter.
Besides preventing flare-ups, your treatment for lupus is meant to improve your immune system and prevent organ and tissue damage that is likely to appear in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. As you have seen, lupus symptoms are quite variable and may include almost every organ in your body. We have covered the most essential signs and symptoms above, but there are many more in different body systems. If you have any doubt, recently experienced concerning symptoms, or suspect something is wrong with your body, talk to your doctor about what you’re feeling and get medical help immediately if your symptoms are severe or deeply concerning.