Could you have what Selena Gomez has? – Lupus Association of NSW Inc.

US singer Selena Gomez has revealed she underwent a kidney transplant as a result of lupus.

She revealed her battle with the disease back in 2015, and took a break from her career last year to deal with anxiety and depression stemming from her diagnosis.

Here’s a little bit more about the condition.

[Article originally posted here]

What is lupus?

• It’s an autoimmune disease
• It’s most common in women aged 15 to 45
• It impacts joints, the heart, liver, kidneys
• There is no cure

So, what is lupus?

It’s an autoimmune disease.

A normal, healthy immune system is able to recognise foreign objects like bacteria and viruses, before fighting them off.

However, in autoimmune diseases, the body’s immune system starts to attack objects that aren’t foreign.

Essentially, your body’s immune system starts attacking its own body.

With lupus, the immune system makes an excess amount of proteins called antibodies that attach themselves to different structures of the body, which cause inflammation and pain.

There are also a few different types of lupus.

They include:

• Discoid lupus erythematosus — which causes a skin rash that doesn’t go away
• Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus — which causes skin sores on parts of the body exposed to sun
• Drug-induced lupus — which can be caused by medications.

What does it affect and what’s it like to live with?

Because the immune system attacks healthy cells, it can cause damage to joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels and the brain.

Common complaints include stiff and painful joints, fever, fatigue, rashes and sensitive skin, chest pain, hair loss and mouth ulcers.

The early symptoms of the disease can include bloody or foamy urine, unexplained weight gain, high blood pressure or swelling in the legs, ankles or around the eyes.

Lupus Association of NSW president Barbara Ward said it was a tough life for many patients.

“Their day-to-day lives are horrendous,” Mrs Ward said.

“People are very sick … they are in pain in all parts of their body.

“They are depressed … they can’t go out … they have rashes on their face.

“It really is one of the most debilitating illnesses in modern times.”

She said apart from a rash on the face, steroid medications can make people living with lupus look healthier than they really are, making it a “hidden illness”, which can be lethal.

This is on top of the fact the pain can come and go, making it hard for loved ones to understand the severity of the illness during a flare-up.

Who is most likely to get it?

Women, aged between 15 and 45 are the most likely to be affected.

It’s much more rare for a man to get the disease, and they develop slightly different symptoms if they get it.

How long does it take to diagnose?

For some, many years.

Diagnosing lupus is also a complex matter, as there’s no single test for it.

Diagnosis often follows ruling out a range of diseases which have similar symptoms.

“GPs are getting better but we have instances of females who took five years [for a diagnosis],” she said.

“There is not a diagnostic tool as such, and in the meantime we’ve had females who’ve had a stroke or a heart attack because of the undiagnosis of lupus.”

She said many people had contacted the association after being told by their GPs they did not have the condition, despite having a range of symptoms.

What causes it?

The cause is still unknown, but there are several things scientists believe cause a trigger, including hormones, medications, stress, genetics, pregnancy and exposure to UV light.

One in 600 Australians have lupus.

But Mrs Ward said there were likely to be many more, with cases of unexplained heart disease and kidney failure not being investigated for lupus as an underlying cause.

Is there a cure?

Essentially, no.

However, there are many treatments available to people living with lupus to minimise the impacts of the disease, including anti-inflammatories for mild cases of lupus, and stronger prescription medications to help quieten the immune system to protect vital organs from further damage.

There are also several lifestyle changes.

For Selena Gomez, a kidney transplant was required.

A body needs just one healthy kidney to live, and lupus tends not to come back after the operation, as the drugs that prevents kidney rejection is also good at treating lupus.

Mrs Ward said the Lupus Association of NSW was working hard to advocate for patients by lobbying state and federal governments, offer phone support for clients as well as referring for specialised mental health counselling and helping those living with lupus live as well as possible with proper diet, exercise and lifestyle choices.

She said they were also hopeful a current clinical trial by pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca would produce some positive medical options for patients.

“But again the Government needs to invest,” she said

Photo from instagram @selenagomez

Selena Gomez ‘My Mind & Me’ Shines Spotlight on Lupus Disease

Home News Selena Gomez ‘My Mind & Me’ Shines Spotlight on Lupus Disease
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What You Need To Know

A lupus specialist provides an overview of what experts know about the chronic autoimmune disease, highlighted in a recently released documentary on celebrity Selena Gomez.

Celebrity Selena Gomez cracked open the door on lupus in her recently released documentary on Apple TV+, “My Mind & Me.” Focused largely on her mental health, which includes a bipolar disorder diagnosis, snippets in the film show the actor and superstar singer being checked and treated for lupus, which resulted in the need for a kidney transplant for Gomez in 2017.

Most common in women of childbearing age and more likely in African American, Hispanic and Asian populations, lupus affects an estimated seven out of every 100,00 persons. Patients with lupus can experience a myriad of manifestations, including arthritis, rashes and organ dysfunction. A relatively uncommon disease, lupus is generally not high on the public radar.

See related story on Selena Gomez’s mental health struggles.

Below, JoAnn Zell, MD, associate professor in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, who watched the highly publicized documentary, talks about the disease that she specializes in and the advancements in treatment.

What are the types of lupus, and what type does it appear Gomez has?

There’s very little information in the documentary about her lupus journey. But it sounds like she has the kind of lupus that involves her kidneys, and that’s about 50% of lupus patients. Every patient with lupus can be different. Some just have skin rash and arthritis, and others might be much more ill, requiring hospital admission or organ transplant.

Typically, we separate lupus into systemic lupus and skin-associated lupus. You can have skin lupus without systemic disease. In general, about 10% of people with skin lupus can go on to develop more systemic disease. Systemic lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE) is the most common type (about 70% of lupus patients).

What is lupus?

Systemic lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body’s machinery that normally fights infection turns against itself and sees “self” as foreign, causing an inflammatory response, typically via the production of antibodies. The antibodies then lodge in tissues and can activate further inflammatory mechanisms. It can infect nearly any organ in your body.

Who gets lupus?

Women of child-bearing age is where it’s more common, although it definitely can affect men. And it does tend to favor certain ethnic minority groups. Children can be diagnosed with lupus as well, and my colleagues at Children’s Hospital Colorado provide excellent care for some very ill kids who develop this disease.

What do studies suggest might contribute to the higher incidence in women of child-bearing age?

There are lots of theories. Some people think there’s this hormonal milieu, and that’s why women of child-bearing age are more likely to develop it and why we see some flares during pregnancy when the hormones are going up or down. Similarly, lupus is less common after menopause in women.

There are theories that it also might have something to do with the X chromosome. There’s a condition called Klinefelter syndrome where men are born with an extra X chromosome and have a lower level of testosterone. The rates of lupus are actually higher in that group as compared to those who are just XY. But there are over 150 genes that are involved in lupus. So we know this is a disease that has complicated roots.

In the documentary, Gomez is treated with a Rituximab infusion. What is that, and how is lupus generally treated?

Rituximab (Rituxan) targets something called CD20, which is a marker that exists on some B cells (a kind of white blood cell that makes antibodies). It’s a drug that is used for certain B cell lymphomas. So if you have a lymphoma that’s affecting the lineage that has a CD20 on it, it’s a great way to target these cells, because it will literally tag those cells and remove them from the circulation.

In the case of lupus, which, again, we think is an antibody-driven disease, the theory is that by taking out some of those cells, we’re decreasing some of that autoimmune potential to make lots of antibodies, which then will target soft tissues. So, in general, we treat lupus by trying to modify the immune system in such a way that it won’t target those “self” antigens. And we have different medications to do that.

We use steroids often in lupus, such as prednisone, but the drug is toxic to all white blood cells and can really depress the immune system. The way of the future is to be more targeted in our approach, so we don’t ‘take out’ the whole immune system.

Are there environmental triggers, such as stress?

One of the biggest environmental triggers is the sun. The UV rays from the sun can cause damage to the cells of the skin, causing DNA and RNA and other materials to extrude out of the cells and then probably promote autoimmunity. Your body can react to them if you have lupus. It’s not uncommon for a patient to travel to Hawaii, for example, and get a sunburn and then develop a lupus flare. One of the things we tell patients to do is wear sunscreen everyday rain or shine. Even florescent lighting can emit UV rays.

Stress is a harder one to study. I think that most of us in medicine believe that perhaps if your cortisol levels are super high all the time that maybe that’s contributing. I’m also a believer that highly processed foods are not great for us, even though I don’t have a study to cite. Sometimes, I tell people to try to eat food that comes out of the earth instead of food with lots of ingredients.

What are the chances of dying with, but not from, lupus today?

It’s much better than it used to be. In the 1950s, people weren’t living very long who were diagnosed with lupus. But now we believe that with good disease control, most patients can live normal life spans.

What’s happening on campus related to lupus research?

We often have a number of drug studies for lupus, especially for those who have lupus with kidney disease. We have one now that is very exciting. It might be three times stronger than rituximab. If there are patients out there interested in taking part in a study, we’d love to see them and try to get them in a clinical trial.

Do you see any benefits to Gomez revealing her lupus struggle?

I think just from an awareness standpoint, yes. It can help people who are out there struggling with lupus to not feel alone and know that there’s someone out there in the public eye that’s dealing with the same thing that they are dealing with – someone who even had to go as far as a kidney transplant. We do know that community support is so helpful in this disease. The Lupus Foundation of America and its Colorado chapter have events for those struggling with the disease who want to meet other patients or become more involved in community awareness.

Note: This interview was edited for length and clarity.

what is this disease and how to treat it

The article talks about Lupus, which is an immune system disease in Selena Gomez. You will learn how this disease manifests itself, how to treat it, and what everyone who has encountered this disease needs to know.

American singer and actress Selena Gomez has repeatedly spoken about her struggle with a disease called lupus. This is an autoimmune disease that affects the body, as if confusing its cells with pests. This condition causes the immune system to attack organs and tissues in the body, including the skin, joints, and kidneys.

Unfortunately, lupus is often not immediately diagnosed because its symptoms can be subtle and overlap with other diseases. Some of the most common symptoms of lupus include: fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, difficulty breathing, and feeling cold all the time.

Lupus can be a very unpleasant and difficult disease for those who suffer from it. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, many people find ways to control and manage their condition.

In this article, we’ll talk about what lupus is, what its symptoms are, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and how Selena Gomez overcomes her illness and continues to lead a life of enthusiasm and struggle.

Lupus: a dangerous disease

Lupus is a chronic disease that affects the body and leads to dysfunction of the immune system. The main symptom of this disease is the appearance of red, inflamed rashes on the skin, resembling insect bites.

With the progression of the disease, there may be an increase in lymph nodes, increased fatigue, pain in the joints. However, the most dangerous is the defeat of internal organs: the heart, lungs, kidneys and others.

The disease has various forms of course and can affect not only the skin, but also the mucous membranes. For successful treatment of lupus, it is important to establish a diagnosis in a timely manner.

• Your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressants and antivirals;
• It is necessary to monitor the state of your body and consult a doctor in a timely manner;
• A good preventive measure is to strengthen the immune system through proper nutrition, drinking regimen and regular exercise.

Despite the fact that lupus is a dangerous disease, if you follow the recommendations of doctors and your own common sense, you can achieve stabilization and recovery.

Who suffers from lupus and who is Selena?

Selena – famous singer and actress

Selena (Selina Quintanilla Perez) – Mexican-American singer and actress. She was born on April 16, 1971, in Lakejackson, Texas, and has become a teen idol for her music and film roles.

Unfortunately, in 2015, Selena died at the age of 23. Her death was caused by a complication of lupus, which she had had since the age of 13.

Who suffers from Lupus?

Lupus (or systemic lupus erythematosus) is an autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and systems of the body. It occurs predominantly in young women between the ages of 15 and 44. In men, the disease is less common.

Patients with “lupus” may suffer from skin rashes, facial swelling, joint pain, fatigue, kidney problems, and other problems related to the functioning of the immune system.

Lupus symptoms in Selena

Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus, is a chronic disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Selena had the following symptoms:

1. Eruptions on the skin. These can be reddish or purple spots that can appear on the face, neck, arms, legs, or torso. The rash often looks like a butterfly that covers the cheeks and nose.
2. Joint swelling. Selena had redness, swelling and tenderness in her joints. This can lead to severe pain and limited movement.
3. Fatigue and weakness. A patient with lupus may feel tired, weak, and generally unwell.
4. Muscle soreness. In addition to joint pain, Selena also had muscle soreness, which may be related to fatigue and movement restriction.

These symptoms may come and go, and may occur at various times. They often progress over time and can become serious if not treated adequately. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of lupus in Selena

Genetic predisposition

One of the causes of lupus in Selena may be heredity. Studies show that people whose parents or close relatives have lupus have an increased risk of developing the disease.

Autoimmune disorders

Lupus often accompanies other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic scleroderma. This is due to the fact that lupus and these diseases have common mechanisms of development and are caused by dysregulation of the immune system.

Environmental factors

Some studies have linked lupus to environmental factors, such as environmental and food contamination with toxic substances. Also, some vaccines and medicines can contribute to the development of lupus.

Female

Women suffer from lupus about 9 times more often than men. This is due to the fact that the female body is more sensitive to changes in the functioning of the immune system, as well as the presence of estrogens in women, which can increase the inflammatory process in the body.

Diagnosing Lupus in Selena

Clinical Signs of the Disease

In the early stages of lupus, Selena may experience many different symptoms, including skin rashes, swelling, muscle weakness, joint pain, and fever. However, these manifestations can also be symptoms of other diseases, so it is important to see a doctor to diagnose lupus.

Blood tests

To diagnose Selena’s lupus, a doctor may do a number of blood tests, including tests for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), DNA antibodies, rheumatoid factor (RF), and other markers of inflammation. These tests can help identify the autoimmune reaction that often accompanies lupus.

Skin biopsy testing

Skin biopsy testing can be helpful in determining Selena’s type of lupus and its stage of development. The doctor removes a small sample of skin tissue for analysis in a laboratory. It can also help diagnose and identify other skin conditions that may mimic lupus.

Examination of the internal organs

The doctor may order additional tests to check the condition of the internal organs of Selena, such as ultrasound, CT or MRI. This may reveal pathologies associated with lupus, such as kidney or lung problems.

Other tests

Other tests may also be done to diagnose Selena’s lupus, including an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiography), a chest x-ray, and other tests. These tests may be needed if Selena has other symptoms that could be related to lupus, or to check for complications of the disease.

• Finding: Various tests and tests may be needed to diagnose Selena’s lupus. The doctor may use the results of blood tests, a skin biopsy examination, and an internal examination to determine the diagnosis and plan treatment.

Why is it important to treat Lupus in Selena?

Statistically, Lupus is a disease that can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life and, in some cases, lead to death. Therefore, it is very important to start treatment of this disease as early as possible.

Finally, early treatment of Lupus improves the patient’s quality of life. Well-organized treatment based on an individual approach can significantly reduce the symptoms of the disease and allow the patient to live a full life.

In general, early treatment of Lupus is the most effective way to improve the prognosis of the disease. Therefore, patients with suspected lupus should seek medical attention and begin treatment as early as possible.

Treatment of lupus in Selena

Diet

The basis of the treatment of lupus in Selena is a properly formulated diet. It is necessary to reduce the consumption of foods containing trans fats and easily digestible carbohydrates, as well as limit the intake of salt and animal proteins. The diet should be dominated by fruits, vegetables, protein products of plant origin and green vegetables. The amount of fluid consumed also needs to be controlled.

Medications

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and immunomodulating agents may be used to suppress inflammation and improve immune function. In order to protect the bones from destruction, treatment with bisphosphonates is prescribed. Antihypertensive drugs are used to lower blood pressure.

Physical treatments

In addition to traditional medical treatments, physiotherapy treatments such as massage, exercise, balneology, magnetotherapy, acupuncture and other methods can be prescribed to reduce pain, relieve muscle spasms and fear of movement. However, all procedures must be prescribed individually, taking into account the degree of development of the disease and the patient’s condition.

Psychological support

Since lupus is a chronic disease, it is especially important to provide psychological support to the patient. Giving the patient confidence that he can live a full life despite the presence of the disease can help him find the strength for life-affirming actions and bring optimism into his life.

Help for Selena’s Lupus

Diagnosis and Treatment

If your Selena is diagnosed with Lupus, the first step should be to visit a doctor who will determine the extent of the disease and prescribe the appropriate treatment. It is important not to self-medicate, as this can lead to a deterioration in health.

Often, treatment for lupus involves a combination of medications, such as steroids and immunosuppressants, and non-pharmacological measures, such as moderate physical activity, a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.

Maintaining mental health

Lupus can be a mental health burden for both the patient and their loved ones. Therefore, it is important to support Selena psychologically and create conditions for a healthy lifestyle.

Patients with this condition are often encouraged to socialize with other people, including those who also have Lupus, participate in support groups, and take yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques. Selena’s loved ones may also need support and psychological help.

Treatment of symptoms

In addition to basic treatment, individual symptoms of Lupus may need to be treated. For example, to relieve joint pain, a doctor may prescribe pain medications. If Selena suffers from skin rashes, a doctor may recommend topical treatments to reduce itching and skin irritation.

In general, it is important to remember that Lupus disease requires a comprehensive approach to treatment and supportive measures, as well as constant medical supervision. Help from loved ones and the social environment can also be very important in the fight against this complex disease.

Prevention of lupus in Selena’s dog

Lupus is a dangerous disease that causes a high mortality rate in dogs. The best prevention of this disease is to prevent it.

• Dog vaccination. The lupus vaccine should be given as soon as the puppy is 3 months old. Vaccinations should be carried out regularly, according to the recommendations of the veterinarian.
• Restriction of contact with other dogs. Places where there are a lot of dogs can become a source of infection. It is important to avoid contact with sick or unknown animals.
• Hygiene. Lupus is transmitted through the saliva of sick animals. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly wash hands and other objects if they have been in contact with dogs.

In conclusion, lupus is a dangerous disease with which it is better not to take chances. Following these guidelines will help prevent this disease in your dog.

Classification of different types of lupus

Appearance of lupus

Lupus is a viral infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes. When looking at the affected skin, reddish or silvery patches can be seen, which can be intensely itchy.

Classification of lupus types

There are several types of lupus that differ from each other in characteristics and symptoms:

• Dyushi’s lupus – affects the skin and mucous membranes, causing mild itching and red spots. This type of lupus often appears after severe emotional stress.
• Hassall’s lupus – Affects the genitals and anal area, causing soreness and moderate itching. This type of lupus is often sexually transmitted.
• Behçet’s lupus – affects the joints and eyes, causing soreness and inflammation. This type of lupus often occurs in young people and can lead to serious consequences if not treated promptly.
• Other types of lupus – There are also rarer types of lupus that can affect different parts of the body and cause different symptoms. Some of these types can be very dangerous and long and difficult to treat.

Lupus treatment

Regardless of the type of lupus, treatment must be timely and effective. Usually, a doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs to help fight the infection and relieve symptoms. In addition, topical treatments may be given to relieve itching and inflammation.

Lupus research

Lupus genetic research

One of the interesting areas of research related to lupus is genetics. Scientists study genes associated with illness to determine why some people get sick and others don’t.

In 2008, an article was published in the journal Nature Genetics about the study of genes that are associated with the occurrence of lupus in humans. Researchers have found genes that are responsible for factors related to immunity and infections. These genes were more likely to be found in patients with lupus than in a group of healthy people.

Lupus Drug Study

Scientists are also interested in which drugs and approaches are most effective in treating lupus. For this, various studies are being carried out, including animal testing and human trials.

Studies have shown that certain medications, such as hydroxychloroquine, can help treat lupus. However, each patient may have an individual reaction to medications, so it is necessary to practice an individual approach.

Habit and lifestyle research

Scientific research has also shown that a person’s lifestyle may play a role in the development of lupus. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol intake can help reduce the risk of lupus.

This study also showed that stress may be a contributing factor to the development of the disease. Managing stress, such as through meditation or yoga, can help reduce the risk of lupus.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What is lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the cells of the thyroid gland, causing it to malfunction and develop hypothyroidism. Selena Gomez was diagnosed with the disease in 2015.

How does lupus manifest itself?

Symptoms of lupus may include fatigue, weakness, swelling, hair loss, menstrual irregularities, and other symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances. Selena Gomez had swelling, fatigue and hair loss.

What are the causes of lupus?

The cause of lupus is unknown, but it is believed that genetic and environmental factors may influence the disease. The risk of the disease is increased in women and people with a family history of autoimmune diseases.

How is lupus treated?

Treatment for lupus is aimed at lowering the levels of antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. This is usually achieved by taking hormonal drugs that replace the lack of thyroid hormones. In some cases, surgery may be required.

What is the prognosis for lupus?

The prognosis of lupus is usually good if detected and treated early. Treatment is aimed at controlling the level of thyroid hormones and preventing the development of complications. However, if the disease goes unnoticed and progresses, then thyroid insufficiency may occur, requiring more serious treatment.

What are the ways to prevent lupus?

There is no way to prevent lupus. However, living a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, moderate physical activity, not smoking, and drinking too much alcohol, can help reduce your risk of developing thyroid conditions, including lupus.

Selena Gomez spoke about lupus and mental disorders in a documentary

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Selena Gomez spoke about lupus and mental disorders in a documentary – RIA Novosti, 10/11/2022

Selena Gomez spoke about lupus and mental disorders in a documentary and household life. RIA Novosti, 10/11/2022

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MOSCOW, 11 Oct — RIA Novosti. The first trailer for a documentary film about pop star Selena Gomez, her path to success and everyday life has appeared on the Web. In the video, the singer talks about the fight against systemic lupus erythematosus. The teen idol learned about her diagnosis in 2014. She has since undergone a kidney transplant and chemotherapy. Selena also suffers from mental health issues. In the documentary, she talks about breakdowns, depression, anxiety and her diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder. Despite the difficulties, Selena tries to maintain an optimistic outlook on life and tries to help others. For example, the video contains footage from a meeting of a popular singer with fans. She came to visit a little girl who loves her work. Gomez is best known for her role in the TV series Wizards of Waverly Place. Now she acts in films and writes songs. Among her recent works is the series “Murders in the same building.” Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me will be released November 4 on Apple TV+ (Me and My World on the service).

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MOSCOW, October 11 – RIA Novosti. The first trailer for a documentary film about pop star Selena Gomez, her path to success and everyday life has appeared on the Web.