Recently, the news of a woman from Shanghai suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus who traveled to Switzerland for euthanasia made headlines across various platforms.
What exactly is systemic lupus erythematosus, and why is it so terrifying? We interviewed Dr. Tian Yuyang, the Director of the Hematology Department at Hainan Cancer Hospital, to share his insights on the "wolf" that is systemic lupus erythematosus.
1. "Guardian" Mutates into a Destructive "Husky"
Tall, handsome, humorous, and speaking with the standard accent of CCTV, Dr. Tian opened the conversation by saying, "Weve all heard the story of The Wolf is Coming since we were young. Doesnt the mere mention of wolf bring some fear?"
Dr. Tian explained that systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease. Normally, our immune system acts as a "guardian" that protects the body from external threats.
However, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, this "guardian" suddenly turns into a destructive "husky." It loses its ability to distinguish between enemies and allies, turning against its own body. It attacks healthy cells and tissues, resulting in damage to multiple systems and organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and the blood system.
2. The Danger of This "Wolf" is Not to Be Taken Lightly
Systemic lupus erythematosus is often referred to as the "immortal cancer."
Dr. Tian stated, "In fact, systemic lupus erythematosus can cause more harm to a person than the wolves in nature."
He further explained that the disease can lead to skin lesions, particularly the butterfly-shaped rash on the face, which is a hallmark symptom. It can also cause joint pain and swelling, extreme fatigue, low-grade fever without any clear infection, as well as neurological issues such as headaches, seizures, and changes in mental status. In severe cases, it can result in proteinuria, nephritis, pericarditis, pleuritis, and blood-related issues like anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.
3. Young Women Need to Be Extra Cautious
Dr. Tian revealed that each year, they see many patients harmed by the "wolf," with young women being the most affected.
Statistics show that the male-to-female ratio for systemic lupus erythematosus is 1:9, and the disease is most common in people aged 15 to 45. Dr. Tian has even treated a 12-year-old girl diagnosed with the condition.
In daily life, the symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus are easily overlooked. For example, one young female office worker frequently experienced joint pain, assuming it was due to muscle strain from exercise. She also often had unexplained low-grade fevers, which she dismissed as a common cold. Furthermore, her mood became increasingly unstable, and she would frequently lose her temper. Later, she was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Expert Advice
If you notice symptoms like butterfly-shaped rashes on the face, hair loss in clumps, swollen joints, mouth ulcers, "rainbow" urine (proteinuria), persistent fever, unexplained headaches, memory loss, or frequent seizures, you should seek a professional diagnosis at the hospital. Early detection and treatment are crucial.
4. Dont Fear the "Wolf"
Systemic lupus erythematosus is primarily treated with medications such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, which act as "calming agents" to prevent flare-ups and reduce the bodys immune response. With the continuous advancement of medical technology, more precise treatments have been developed, such as new biologic agents like belimumab.
Dr. Tian humorously likened traditional treatments to "firefighters" and the new medications to "negotiators." He explained that new drugs can effectively persuade the immune cells to "talk it out" rather than "fight amongst themselves" and attack the bodys own cells.
Although a complete cure for systemic lupus erythematosus has not yet been found, Dr. Tian emphasized that with proper and standardized treatment, most patients can manage the disease well and live a normal life. So, there is no need to fear the "wolf."
5. How to Prevent the "Wolf" from Doing Harm?
This is not a "northern wolf," as the incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus is equally high in Hainan.
Expert Advice
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus should strictly follow their doctors treatment plan, take their medications regularly, and undergo check-ups to monitor disease progression. In daily life, it is essential to get enough rest, avoid excessive fatigue, exercise moderately, and maintain proper skin care, especially sun protection. A balanced diet is also important, with a focus on avoiding high-salt, high-fat foods, and limiting smoking and alcohol consumption.
Dr. Tian reminded that Hainan has strong sunlight, so patients with systemic lupus erythematosus should take extra precautions. When going outside, they should ensure they have their "three-piece set": sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and long sleeves for protection.
Additionally, regular physical check-ups and long-term management are vital for maintaining good health.
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Written by: Liang Shan
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