Rheumatologist Explains What Lupus Is

In this video from the Mayo Clinic, rheumatologist Dr. Thomas Osborn briefly discusses lupus. Dr. Osborn explains that lupus is an autoimmune disease that mostly affects women during their childbearing years.

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Lupus can affect any part of the body including the internal organs and has many different symptoms that differ from patient to patient. He describes how lupus makes the patient’s immune system attack their own tissues and organs and is often characterized by rashes, joint pains, chest pain, mouth ulcers, sun sensitivity, and fatigue.

Lupus flares can occur at any time but are often brought on by stress. Many patients will need to be treated for a number of years before the disease can be brought under control and managed through medication and lifestyle changes.

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