"Fatigue That Won't Go Away Even After Rest" ... Lupus Strikes Women in Their 20s to 40s [Health Talk]

[Financial News] If persistent fatigue, recurring joint pain, and even a skin rash continue despite enough rest, it may be worth suspecting systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus is a representative autoimmune disease that steadily affects women in their 20s to 40s, and about 90% of patients are women.
Lupus is a disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own healthy tissues, causing chronic inflammation. It is especially common among women of childbearing age and is often diagnosed in younger adults who are active in school or at work.
It can affect not only the skin and joints, but also major organs such as the kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain. For that reason, early diagnosis and consistent management are especially important.

The exact cause of lupus has not yet been identified. However, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic factors, environmental factors, hormones, and immune system abnormalities. In particular, about 90% of patients are women, and because the disease mainly occurs in women of childbearing age, female hormones are thought to influence its onset.
Common symptoms of lupus include fatigue, fever, joint pain, and muscle pain. Unexplained weight loss, hair loss, anemia, and a reduced white blood cell count may also occur. A typical skin symptom is the red "butterfly rash" that appears across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. However, not all patients develop the classic form, and in some cases the condition appears only as photosensitivity, with skin symptoms worsening after sun exposure.
Other possible symptoms include recurring mouth ulcers, Raynaud phenomenon, in which the hands and feet become cold and the skin turns white or blue, and vasculitis. Extra caution is needed when inflammation affects major organs. If the kidneys become inflamed, it can progress to lupus nephritis, causing proteinuria or hematuria, and in severe cases leading to reduced kidney function. If the lungs and pleura are affected, chest pain or shortness of breath may occur, and pericarditis or myocarditis can also develop. If the central nervous system is involved, seizures, cognitive decline, and neuropsychiatric symptoms may appear.
Lee Young-ho, professor in the Department of Rheumatology at Korea University Anam Hospital, explained, "Autoimmune diseases, including lupus, can be effectively controlled and patients can maintain a healthy daily life if they are diagnosed early and receive appropriate treatment."
For an accurate diagnosis, a patient's symptoms, physical examination findings, and blood tests are needed. In particular, an antinuclear antibody test is performed, and if there is organ involvement, ultrasound, CT, or MRI may also be used.

The goal of lupus treatment is not to cure the disease, but to control inflammation and prevent organ damage. For relatively mild symptoms such as skin rashes or mild arthritis, antimalarial drugs and low-dose steroids are used. If major organs such as the kidneys, lungs, heart, or brain are affected, high-dose steroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics are used.
Professor Lee advised, "Along with medication, steady lifestyle management is important for lupus." He added, "Regular aerobic exercise and strength training tailored to the patient's condition can help reduce fatigue and maintain physical function, while a balanced diet, enough sleep, and stress management can positively affect overall health and quality of life." He also stressed, "Even if symptoms improve, it is important to continue managing the disease through regular checkups and tests."


 


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