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Health Conditions
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Lupus
What causes it?
The cause of lupus is not known, although researchers are investigating several theories. It is thought that rather than a single cause, a combination of genetic, environmental, and possibly hormonal factors may contribute to the development of the disease. Some believe that the cause may differ from one individual to another.
Other factors - such as various medications, chemicals, and infections (both bacterial and viral), as well as emotional stress - may trigger a response that causes the immune system to malfunction. The fact that lupus can run in families indicates that it has a genetic basis. Studies have shown that lupus is more likely to affect identical twins, which share the exact same set of genes, than two non-identical siblings. Research is being conducted to determine if an individual's risk of developing lupus is greater if more than one family member suffers from the disease.
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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.
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What causes it?
