An Autoimmune Disease which causes inflammation of connective tissue, in particular of membranes around joints (with symptoms similar to those of Rheumatoid Arthritis) and around lungs, kidneys, heart, and other organs; red rash also develops on cheeks and may involve entire upper body. Condition is rare, but mostly affects women aged 30-50; may be triggered off by an infection, by exposure to strong sunlight, by certain drugs, including oral contraceptives, and by excessive consumption of alfalfa sprouts, seeds, or juice.
First signs may be mild but persistent Fever, flitting joint pains, characteristic butterfly-shaped rash on cheeks, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and poor appetite (see Appetite Changes); later, there may be circulation problems, leading to Raynaud's Disease and Varicose Ulcers; in some cases, persistent inflammation of the kidneys leads to Kidney Failure.
Orthodox treatment is to give steroids and immuno-suppressive drugs to slow down progress of disease, and regularly check for protein in urine to assess state of kidneys.
The author’s approach to this and other auto-immune diseases is multi-pronged, a combination of constitutional homeopathic treatment, attention to diet, vitamin and mineral supplements, allergy identification, perhaps a bowel cleansing routine, and rest. |
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