lupus is an autoimmune disease which means that the body's natural defense system ( immune system ) attacks its own tissues instead of attacking foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. this causes inflammation. inflammation causes swelling pain and tissue damage throughout the body. if you develop severe lupus you may have problems with your kidneys heart lungs nervous system or blood cells. lupus is the common name for systemic lupus erythematosus also called sle. although some people with lupus have only mild symptoms the disease is lifelong and can become severe. but most people can control their symptoms and prevent severe damage to their organs. they do this by seeing their doctors often for checkups getting enough rest and exercise and taking medicines. this topic focuses on systemic lupus erythematosus (sle) the most common and most serious type of lupus. but there are four other types of lupus : discoid or cutaneous lupus drug-induced systemic lupus neonatal lupus and subacute cutaneous lupus. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
what is systemic lupus erythematosus or lupus?