Lupus: Nigerians Search Out Strange Disease Afflicting Kemi Afolabi

Leading Nollywood actress, Kemi Afolabi, shocked Nigerians and her fans on Friday after an interview with Chude Jideonwo came to light with the information that she has only four more years to live because she had contracted Lupus, described as incurable.

The revelation by Kemi Afolabi according to GreenWhiteGreen GWG investigations has led Nigerians to dig out more about the disease with the term Lupus topping the Google Search index in Nigeria on Friday.

Here are five things to know about the ailment according to VeryWell Health, which gives information on health and wellness.

1. Lupus is an autoimmune, and inflammatory disease caused when the immune system attacks its own tissues. It can also be referred to as Systematic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). It can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.

2. There are five different types of the life-threatening disease. There is the Systematic Lupus Erythematosus that affects the joints and organs, the Discoid Lupus which affects the skin and the Sub-Acute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus characterised by a specific, non-scarring skin lesion. The Drug Induced Lupus is one that can develop after exposure to certain drugs while the Neonatal Lupus solely affects newborns.

3. Although getting a diagnosis may be difficult, symptoms of Lupus can vary. It is differentiated from other connective tissue diseases based on 11 criteria offered by the American College of Rheumatology. These are butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose; scaly disk-shaped rash on face, neck, ears, scalp, chest; sunlight sensitivity; mouth, tongue and inside nose sores; arthritis pain in joints; pain in chest and side when breathing or moving. Other signs are kidney problems, neurologic problems, blood problems such as anemia, low white cell count; immune system malfunction and antinuclear antibodies. It is recommended that if you have four or more of these 11 symptoms, you should consult with a rheumatologist.

4. Lupus affects about 10 times as many women as men. Most times, it develops in people between the age of 15 and 44. Though Lupus is more prevalent among women, it can also affect men and children, as well as people of all ages.

5. With careful monitoring of Lupus and treatment adjustments as needed, most patients lead normal lives. There may be some limitations and the disease may impose restrictions at times but with good management, quality of life can be sustained. The worst adversary comes from within when the patient loses will and gives in to frustration and depression.

Meanwhile, Nigerians and and associates of Kemi Afolabi have been wishing her well in the battle against Lupus with many taking to social media to express solidarity with her.

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