BUT LUPUS
–THE GREAT IMITATOR –
ISN’T EASY TO DIAGNOSE
Lupus is not a one size fits all kind of disease.
It affects each person differently, has no
known cause or cure. The reports say there is
a genetic predisposition but the cause is still a
mystery.
Lupus mimics other autoimmune diseases and
is therefore regarded as the great imitator.
Because its symptoms imitate other illnesses
like rheumatoid arthritis, blood disorders,
fibromyalgia, diabetes, thyroid problems,
Lyme disease, and a number of heart, lung,
muscle, and bone diseases, lupus is very
difficult to diagnose, hard to live with and a
challenge to treat.
Depending on the type of lupus, it can take up
to 8 years for a diagnosis.
There is no one test for diagnosing lupus. After
careful examination or blood test
abnormalities if several features of the disease
are present, you may get diagnosed.
To assist doctors in correctly diagnosing lupus,
the American College of Rheumatology says a
person should have at least four of the criteria,
either at the same time or one after the other,
to be classified as having lupus.
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