What it means
The immune systemih-MYOON SIS-tumThe body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.Full entry makes antibodies against the body's own cells, causing inflammationin-fluh-MAY-shunThe body's protective response to injury or infection, with redness, heat, swelling, pain and sometimes loss of function.Full entry in many organs: joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood and brain. It is most common in women of childbearing age. Signs vary and come and go in flares: tiredness, joint pain, fever, and a red rash across the cheeks and nose shaped like a butterfly, often worse after sun exposure.
For the nurse
Teach the client to protect skin from the sun, rest during flares and report fever or signs of infection, since treatment often weakens the immune system. Watch the kidneys: report swelling, foamy urine or rising blood pressure.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | SLE |
|---|---|
| Spanish | lupus |
| Also written | systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE |
Related terms
rheumatoid arthritis
A long-term autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints.
renal
Relating to the kidneys.
inflammation
The body's protective response to injury or infection, with redness, heat, swelling, pain and sometimes loss of function.
immune system
The body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.