The reported prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the United States is
20 to 150 cases per 100,000
[1-4]. In one meta-analysis, the prevalence was 73 out of 100,000. In women, prevalence rates vary from 164 (White individuals) to 406 (African American individuals) per 100,000 [1].
Is lupus considered a rare disease?
Nine out of ten lupus patients are women. The disease takes many forms and its symptoms vary considerably from one individual to another. Other populations particularly affected are West Indians and African-Americans’.
What percentage of the population has lupus?
About Lupus
Approximately 1.5 million Americans have a form of lupus. Systemic lupus erythematosus cases:
70% of total lupus cases
. Of individuals diagnosed with lupus, 90% are women. Eighty percent of people develop lupus between 15 and 45 years of age.
How common is lupus UK?
Lupus commonly affects women in their child bearing years, although men, children and new-born babies can develop the disease, with a ratio of 9 women to 1 man diagnosed. It is thought that currently up to 50,000 people in the UK have lupus,
about 1 in 1000 people
.
Who typically gets lupus?
Although lupus affects people of all ages, it’s most often diagnosed
between the ages of 15 and 45
. Race. Lupus is more common in African Americans, Hispanics and Asian Americans.
How long do lupus patients live?
For people with lupus, some treatments can increase the risk of developing potentially fatal infections. However, the majority of people with lupus can expect a normal or near-normal life expectancy. Research has shown that many people with a lupus diagnosis have
been living with the disease for up to 40 years
.
Is lupus a disability?
For Social Security’s purposes, lupus
qualifies as a disability
when it meets these conditions: It involves two or more organs or body systems. It includes at least two major signs or symptoms, such as severe fatigue, fever, malaise, and involuntary weight loss.
What race is lupus most common in?
Your race/ethnicity.
In the United States, lupus is more common in people of color than in the Caucasian population. This includes
African Americans
, Hispanics/Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
Where in the world is lupus most common?
Although data on the prevalence of SLE among Africans and Asians living in the tropics are limited, SLE is reportedly more common and more severe in people of
African and Asian extraction living
in industrialized countries.
How many people get lupus every year?
For others, there may be no visible symptoms. Our best estimate based on available data on incidence is
16,000 new cases per year
.
How does lupus make you feel?
Lupus is a disease
of flares
(the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better). Lupus symptoms include: Muscle and joint pain. You may experience pain and stiffness, with or without swelling.
What should lupus patients avoid?
Heart
attack risk is 50 times higher in people with lupus, so patients with lupus should be extra vigilant against foods with known links to heart disease, such as red meat, fried foods, and dairy.
What happens when lupus goes untreated?
If left untreated, it can put you at risk of
developing life-threatening problems such as a heart attack or stroke
. In many cases, lupus nephritis does not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, this does not mean the condition is not dangerous, as the kidneys could still be being damaged.
Who is likely to get lupus?
Age: Lupus can occur at any age, but most are diagnosed in
their 20s and 30s
. Race: Lupus is two to three times more common in African-American women than in Caucasian women. It’s also more common in Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women.
What does a lupus headache feel like?
In fact, the headaches you have are sometimes simply called “lupus headaches” or “lupus fog.” These headaches may appear along with other brain problems caused by lupus. These include
fatigue, confusion, memory issues
, or trouble concentrating.
Can you have lupus for years and not know it?
Lupus affects everyone somewhat differently, and symptoms tend to come and go. Because of this, it
can take months or even years for
a doctor to make a confident diagnosis.
