Updated on June 25, 2024
Lupus is often referred to as an invisible illness because it is not always apparent or recognizable to others. This May, recognized as Lupus Awareness Month 2024, is an important time to raise awareness and to make Lupus visible. It is a chronic autoimmune disease that can readily affect numerous parts of the body. Despite its prevalence, many people are unaware of the disease, its symptoms or who it affects. Therefore, our focus during Lupus Awareness Month 2024, is to increase visibility, spread awareness and acknowledge the challenges faced by those affected by lupus.
Moreover, this chronic autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack the body it is meant to protect, leading to inflammation and pain. Approximately 1.5 million people in the U.S have some form of lupus as suggested by the Lupus Foundation of America.
As part of Lupus Awareness Month 2024, Revival is dedicated to exploring potential treatment options for those affected by lupus and fostering greater acceptance of the condition.
History of Lupus Awareness Month
Lupus Awareness Month 2024 was initiated to highlight the necessity for increased public awareness, improved patient healthcare services, and advance research efforts into the condition.
Revival during this month, is keen to bring together patients, healthcare providers, and researchers to collectively fight the battle against this concerning health condition.
Who is Affected by Lupus?
Various types of lupus impact different organs and systems, involving the skin, muscles, kidneys, and heart. More than 90% percent of individuals affected by this condition are women, primarily between the ages of 15 and 44. Moreover, women of color are twice or thrice times more likely to develop lupus compared to Caucasian women. Individuals with a family history of lupus or other autoimmune conditions can also be affected by this condition.
However, it is essential to note that lupus can also affect men and individuals of any age or ethnicity.
What Are the Notable Symptoms of Lupus?
The symptoms of lupus can vary depending on each individual and may manifest on and off over several years. Due to its ability to affect multiple systems in the body, lupus can present a wide range of symptoms.
Interestingly, there are certain situations where women with lupus do not experience any symptoms at all. However, common symptoms of lupus may manifest as:
- Persistent fatigue
- Butterfly rash on the nose or cheeks
- Swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes
- Joint pain
- Low-grade fever
- Difficulty breathing deeply
- Chest pain
- Hair loss
- Headaches
- Discoloration of fingers and toes
- Numbness
However, it is crucial to realize that symptoms may differ among individuals and evolve over time, posing challenges in both diagnosing and managing the condition.
Clinical Research at Revival: Empowering Individuals Affected by Lupus
Clinical research plays a crucial role in discovering novel treatments and methods for identifying, diagnosing and reducing the risk of the condition. It serves as the center of evidence-based healthcare. Lupus clinical trials provide an emerging source of treatment in comparison to other traditional treatments. However, despite ongoing research, there remains a considerable journey ahead and room for advancement.
Revival Ensuring Diversity at Every Step
Revival ensures diversity in lupus research and believes that inclusion of racial and ethnic minorities is vital for its effectiveness. The reason being that certain medical conditions are more prevalent among specific ethnic groups. For instance, African Americans have a higher susceptibility to this condition compared to other ethnicities. Without equal participation in research, the findings will not accurately depict the condition across various ethnic groups. Thus, achieving equal representation among all racial and ethnic groups is essential for the success of clinical research.
How to Get Involved in Raising Awareness?
Here are a few ways to successfully get involved in raising Lupus Month Awareness 2024:
Be a Lupus Advocate: Show support by wearing purple, the official color of Lupus Awareness Month 2024. Incorporate color into social media posts or any other means within one’s range.
Participate in Awareness Initiatives: Take part in walks, fundraising events, and educational sessions dedicated to promoting lupus research and patient care.
Expand Knowledge and Spread Awareness: Educate others about this condition by sharing accurate information from reliable sources such as leading clinical research organizations.
Support Lupus Research: Contribute through participation in lupus research dedicated to working to debunk misconceptions and increase understanding of the disease.
Summary
In summary, Lupus Awareness Month 2024 presents an opportunity to raise awareness, back research efforts, and demonstrate our empathy towards individuals struggling with the condition. It is crucial to acknowledge that even small gestures toward supporting individuals with lupus can make a significant difference.
Furthermore, Lupus Awareness Month 2024 serves as an ideal occasion to renew our commitment to addressing lupus concerns and promoting a healthier quality of life for individuals affected, regardless of their age, race, gender, or ethnicity.
