Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and systems in the body. One of the systems that can be affected by SLE is the digestive system. In addition, SLE can also affect the blood, leading to various complications. In this blog post, we will discuss the relationship between SLE, the digestive system, and the blood.
Digestive System and SLE
SLE can cause a range of digestive problems, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. These symptoms are usually mild and may come and go over time. However, in some cases, SLE can cause more severe digestive problems, such as pancreatitis, hepatitis, and inflammation of the intestines.
One of the most common digestive problems associated with SLE is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus fails to close properly, allowing stomach acid to leak back into the esophagus. This can cause heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Blood and SLE
SLE can also affect the blood, leading to a range of complications. One of the most common blood-related complications of SLE is anemia. Anemia occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells or when the red blood cells don’t function properly. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Another blood-related complication of SLE is thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough platelets, which are cells that help the blood to clot. This can lead to excessive bleeding and bruising. Other blood-related complications of SLE include leukopenia (low white blood cell count) and lymphopenia (low lymphocyte count).
Diagnosing SLE
Diagnosing SLE can be challenging because the symptoms can be similar to those of other autoimmune diseases. However, there are several tests that can be used to diagnose SLE, including blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests. Some of the common tests used to diagnose SLE include:
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test: This test measures the presence of antibodies that attack the nucleus of cells. ANA antibodies are found in almost all people with SLE.
Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test: This test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. A high ESR can indicate inflammation, which is common in SLE.
Complement levels test: This test measures the levels of complement proteins in the blood. Low levels of complement proteins are common in people with SLE.
Treatment for SLE
There is no cure for SLE, but the symptoms can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes. The treatment for SLE depends on the severity of the symptoms and the organs involved. Some common medications used to treat SLE include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Corticosteroids: These drugs can help to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
Antimalarial drugs: These drugs can help to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
Immunosuppressants: These drugs can help to suppress the immune system and prevent it from attacking the body’s tissues.
In addition to medication, people with SLE can also benefit from making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding triggers that can cause flares.
