What are the causes of the lupus disease?

Because nine of every 10 occurrences of lupus are in females, researchers have looked at the relationship between estrogen and lupus. While men and women both produce estrogen, its production is much greater in females. Many women have more lupus symptoms before menstrual periods and/or during pregnancy when estrogen production is high. read more

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissue. This results in symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, and damage to joints, skin, kidneys, blood, the heart, and lungs. read more

The cause of lupus in most cases, however, is unknown. Some potential triggers include: Sunlight. Exposure to the sun may bring on lupus skin lesions or trigger an internal response in susceptible people. Infections. Having an infection can initiate lupus or cause a relapse in some people. Medications. Lupus can be triggered by certain types of blood pressure medications, anti-seizure medications and antibiotics. read more