Reader’s Digest: What Is Lupus—And 9 Everyday Things That Trigger It
Environmental triggers such as air pollution may play a role, according to UC expert
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects more than 1.5 million Americans with a disproportionate impact on women of color. It is difficult to diagnose and the result of the body’s immune system attacking its own organs and tissues. Reader’s Digest spoke with various experts in the field who weren’t sure what causes lupus, but believe a combination of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors are at work. Physicians say lupus can be controlled by suppressing ‘flares’ of the disease.
Gaurav Gulati, MD, shown in the UC College of Medicine. Photo by Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand.
Some factors such as sunlight, fluorescent light, low vitamin D levels, stress, exhaustion, medications and environmental factors can impact disease severity. Reader’s Digest cited the research and expertise of Gaurav Gulati, MD, assistant professor in the UC Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology. Gulati has stated that particulates in air pollution and ultraviolet light can serve as an environmental trigger for lupus.
Read the full article in Reader’s Digest.
Learn more about the research of Gaurav Gulati, MD, on lupus.
Featured image of Gaurav Gulati, MD, shown at the UC College of Medicine. Photo taken by Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand.
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