The immune complexes build up in the tissues and can cause inflammation, injury to tissues, and pain. For most people lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. For others, it may cause serous and even life threatening conditions. More than 16,000 Americans develop lupus each year. It is estimated that up to 2,000,000 Americans have been diagnosed with lupus.
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms come and go and mimic other illnesses.
While medical science has not yet found a cure for lupus, new research brings unexpected findings and increased hope each year.