Are you worried about your child having lupus? Let's talk about this in detail!

Does your child seem tired all the time? Does he/she complain of a feeling of lethargy, frequent fevers, and joint pain? Have you ever noticed a red, butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose? As a parent, it is normal to feel very scared and worried when you see something like this. Today we are going to talk about a condition that many parents fear, but if properly understood and managed, can help your child live a normal life. That is lupus in children.

Simply put, what is Lupus?

Imagine that there is an army inside our bodies that protects us from disease. We call this army the immune system . When external enemies, such as viruses and bacteria, enter the body, this army fights and protects us.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease . What happens here is something very strange. Our own defense force, the immune system, mistakenly thinks that our own healthy cells and tissues are "enemies" and starts attacking them. It's like our own soldiers attacking our own country. This attack causes inflammation , which is inflammation and swelling, in various parts of the body, and causes various symptoms.

When children develop lupus, it can be a little more severe than it is in adults. This means:

• The disease may be more active and severe.
• There is a high risk of damage to major organs such as the kidneys, heart, and brain.
• Treatment may require higher doses of stronger medications.
• Some treatments (for example, corticosteroids) can cause side effects when used long-term.

The most common type of lupus in children is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) . We usually refer to this type as "lupus." Sometimes doctors also call it ``Childhood-onset SLE'' or ``Juvenile-onset SLE.'' Symptoms usually begin around age 12, but they can start earlier or later. However, it is very rare for children under age 5 to develop this disease.

What are the symptoms of lupus in a child?

Lupus doesn't affect every child the same way. Each child's symptoms are slightly different. That's why doctors call this a "lupus fingerprint," because it's unique to each person.

For ease of understanding, let's divide these features into two parts.

What other complications can occur due to lupus?

Proper treatment can greatly reduce the risk of these conditions, but some children are still at risk of developing these conditions.

• Kidney damage: This is called lupus nephritis . This is one of the most serious complications of lupus.
• Inflammation of the lungs and heart: Inflammation of the lining of the lungs (pleurisy) or inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericarditis) can occur. Both of these can cause sharp chest pain .
• Central nervous system effects: The brain and spinal cord can be affected. This can cause headaches, behavioral changes, and seizures .
• Blood clots: There is a risk of blood clots, especially in the legs. This can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and redness in the leg.

Why do children get lupus? What is the cause?

In fact, researchers have yet to find a single, definitive cause of lupus. However, they do have a theory that they believe in. It's called the "two-hit theory." That is, lupus occurs when two factors come together.

1. The first factor - Genetics: There must be a genetic predisposition that is passed down from generation to generation. That is, the child is born with a genetic predisposition to develop lupus.

2. Second factor - Trigger: Even if there is a genetic predisposition, something must trigger the disease to occur. Such a trigger could be:

• A viral infection
• Changes in hormone levels (especially during puberty)
• Exposure to harsh sunlight (UVA/UVB rays)

However, not everyone with this genetic predisposition will develop lupus. Sometimes, even if you have the genes that make you susceptible to the disease, you can remain disease-free for the rest of your life.

How does a doctor accurately diagnose lupus?

If you suspect your child has symptoms of lupus, you should definitely see a doctor. The doctor will make a diagnosis by following these steps:

• Asking you and your child about the symptoms: Asking them about the symptoms your child has, how long they have had them, and whether anyone in the family has had similar illnesses.
• A complete physical examination: The child is examined from head to toe, paying special attention to skin rashes and swollen joints.
• Blood and urine tests: Various tests are done to check for markers associated with lupus. These include the aforementioned `(ANA)` test and blood cell count.

What are the treatments for lupus?

The first thing to say is that there is no cure for lupus yet. But don't worry. There are very effective treatments available today that can help control the disease, minimize symptoms, and help your child live a normal life.

The main goals of treatment are:

• Reducing the child's symptoms (such as pain, fatigue).
• Preventing the immune system from damaging the body's organs.
• Maintaining the child's overall physical and mental health at a good level.

For this, a team of doctors, led by a pediatric rheumatologist, comes together to create a treatment plan that is tailored to the child.

Below are some of the most commonly used medications for lupus.

Let's also be aware of the side effects of treatments.

While these medications can help save a child's life, they can also cause some side effects. It's important to be aware of this.

Taking steroid medications like `Prednisone` for a long time can cause things like:

• Weight gain
• Stretch marks on the skin
• High blood pressure
• Thinning of bones (osteoporosis)
• Mental distress or depression
• Increased blood sugar levels (diabetes)
• Cataracts or glaucoma

These side effects can affect the child's appearance, mental health, and development. Therefore, it is extremely important to attend clinics on time as per the doctor's instructions.

The drug `Hydroxychloroquine` can very rarely cause damage to the retina of the eye. Therefore, every child taking this medication should have their eyes checked regularly by an ophthalmologist.

How can I help my child as a parent?

You may feel helpless when you learn that your child has lupus. However, there are many things you can do to help your child through this journey.

• Protect from the sun: Sunlight is a major factor in the exacerbation of lupus. Therefore, whenever your child goes outside , be sure to wear sunglasses, a hat, and long-sleeved clothing. Also, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This should be done even on cloudy days. Keep your child out of the sun as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Rest and exercise: Let your child rest if he feels tired. However, on days when he is feeling well, encourage him to do gentle exercises like walking and swimming. This will help strengthen his muscles.
• Protect against infections: Lupus and some of the medications it takes can weaken your child's immune system. This makes them more likely to get sick. Teach them to wash their hands often with soap and water. Keep them away from people who are sick.
• Keep a log of symptoms: Keep a record of your child's symptoms, the days they worsen, and any new symptoms that appear. This will be very useful when you visit the doctor.
• Inform the school: Inform the school teachers and principal about the child's condition. This will help them provide the necessary facilities for the child.
• Consider mental health: Living with a chronic illness can be emotionally difficult for a child. Allow your child to talk openly with you. If necessary, seek the help of a counselor.
• Take care of yourself: With all this, it's very important to take care of yourself as a mother and father. Take time to rest and think about your health. Only if you are healthy can you take care of your child well.

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