With the recent announcement that Trick Daddy suffers from the same illness that took the life of producer James “J Dilla” Yancey, many Hip-Hop fans are starting to familiarize themselves with the disease known as Lupus. Still, many people are know little or nothing about the long-term affects the disease can cause.

By: Alejandro Bracetti

The Lupus Foundation of America estimates at least 1.5 million Americans have with Lupus. Almost 16,000 Americans are diagnosed every year. African Americans, Hispanics and Asians are most commonly affected. Ninety percent of carriers are women and people of color are 2-3 times more susceptible to Lupus, with the disease commonly attacking during the childbearing period (15-44 year olds).

Experts say that an environmental trigger can set off the disorder. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, infections, a cold or viral illness, any injury or any form of physical or emotional stress are a few of the common causes for developing the condition. Some of the more familiar are fatigue, headaches, swollen joints, fever and blood clotting.

The four types of Lupus:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – The most common form, which can be categorized as mild or severe. In addition to damaging the body cells and tissue, Lupus Erythematosus causes harm to the heart, joints, skins, lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys and nervous system.

• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus AKA Discoid Lupus - Mainly affecting skin pigmentation, rashes develop in the shape of disks or circles. Rash outbreaks can appear on the face, neck or in the mouth, nose or vagina. Common symptoms come in the form of hair loss and changes in skin color.

• Drug-Induced Lupus Erythematosus – Caused by certain prescription drugs. More common amongst men because they are given these drugs more often, but not everyone who takes these drugs will develop the cancer. Certain drugs considered to cause lupus include Captopril, Lithium, Gold Salt, Hydantoins, Penicillamine and many others.

• Neonatal Lupus – The least common condition of the four that affects infants of women who are diagnosed with lupus. During childbirth, an infant may develop a skin rash, liver disorder or a low blood cell count. Fortunately, these symptoms can disappear after several months with no lasting effects.

There is no cure for Lupus but studies show 80-90% of people diagnosed can expect to live a normal life span. Singer Seal is a prime example, as he survived Discoid Lupus when he was a child, which resulted in his trademark facial scar. For those who experience severe symptoms and flare-ups, their chances are more life threatening. Those whose lives are taken by the disease usually experience an overwhelming infection and kidney failure. Efforts are being made every year to find a cure for the disease and time will tell if we can put an end to a disease that affects almost 5 million people worldwide.