This is the first in a two-part piece by president of the Lupus Foundation of Jamaica, Dr Désirée Tulloch-Reid, a consultant rheumatologist and lupologist, exploring the condition for Lupus Awareness Month.

JAMAICA is believed to have one of the highest rates of lupus in the world along with Caribbean people and others belonging to the African Diaspora. The exact number of people with lupus in Jamaica is unknown, but estimates in some populations have been as high as one in 250 people.

Unfortunately, many are not aware of lupus and its symptoms, and do not access the necessary treatment on time. Others struggle to cope with this condition which may be poorly understood by family members, co-workers and the community.

WHAT IS LUPUS?

Systemic lupus erythematous, or simply lupus, is a chronic disorder of the immune system and one of our least known major diseases. It results in abnormal inflammation of tissues almost anywhere in the body, including skin, joints, kidneys, blood, lungs, heart, and brain.

Common symptoms include tiredness, rashes on the face and body, hair loss, joint pain or swelling of the legs. But Lupus can be extremely variable in its severity and manifestations, and may produce different signs and symptoms in different people.

Some people are only mildly affected, while others can feel very ill or suffer life-threatening or disabling complications. Even for one person, symptoms may vary at different times in their lives, and there may be periods of increased or severe symptoms known as flares.

Most commonly, lupus first affects young women in their twenties and thirties, when they may be starting careers or have young families. However, all ages, including children, and men, can be affected as well.

WHAT CAUSES LUPUS, AND CAN IT BE TREATED?

The cause of lupus is not fully understood, but genes as well as environmental factors may both play a role.

It is not cancer and it is not contagious. There is no definite way to avoid getting lupus or to predict whether you will get it, but by being aware you can recognise symptoms quickly and be diagnosed and treated early, which can make a big difference.

Although we do not yet have a cure for lupus, knowledge and understanding of the disease is greater than ever before and treatments now exist that can be very effective in keeping the disease under control, thereby allowing people with the disorder to live longer and better than ever.

Additionally, for someone who has lupus, good understanding of their condition, adequate support and expert care and monitoring go a long way to improve outcomes and quality of life.