No one knows what exactly causes lupus. Though the disease is not curable, new advances in medicine may improve the quality of life for lupus patients and prevent complications.
Having a chronic illness means managing it over time to reduce its effects. Patients with lupus who properly manage their disease may be able to reduce its long-term impact.
Azathioprine therapy for lupus is generally considered safe during pregnancy. But children exposed to azathioprine in the womb may be at higher risk of developing speech problems.
Fear that the treatment for one condition might cause another condition, like cancer, could prevent people from taking needed medications. But should this be a concern for lupus patients?
For women under 30, yearly screening is one of the best ways to detect cervical cancer. Unfortunately, many women with lupus - a condition linked to cervical problems - may be skipping out on screening.
