Organ Damage Caused by Lupus
There are many different types of lupus, but the most common and most serious type is system lupus erythematosus. It is with this particular lupus disease that your immune system attacks healthy organs, causing irreparable damage.
The kidneys are one of the primary targets of lupus. Careful monitoring of the kidneys by your physician is the best way to monitor the progress of the disease. Physicians will use a urinalysis at each visit with a lupus patient to test for protein levels in the urine.
Lupus can also cause damage to the brain. You may notice increased headaches, trouble remembering things or have your intellectual abilities compromised.
The lungs are also susceptible to lupus-induced inflammation. If the sac surrounding the lungs swells, this could eventually cause bleeding. This is called pleurisy.
The heart is also at risk for lupus related disease. Those with lupus are more likely to have hardening of the arteries, heart attacks and strokes.
