The basic problem is in an alteration in the immune system. The normal immune system, which produces antibodies against foreign invaders, such as bacteria, goes into ‘overdrive’ and produces too many antibodies. This in turn can affect any organ in the body.
The cause of lupus is unknown but these factors are important in both the onset of lupus and disease flares.
Genetics. Scientists have identified more than 50 genes that are more common in people with lupus. Having these genes doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have lupus as something has to ‘trigger’ it, but they do raise the risk of getting it. Also if you have a family member with an autoimmune disease (lupus or another disease) that increases your risk of having lupus.
Ultraviolet rays, from the sun or from fluorescent light bulbs. In some people, the immune system attacks sunburned or damaged cells.
An infection, a cold or a viral illness. Viruses that have been linked to lupus include Epstein Barr virus and Varicella-Zoster virus (that causes chickenpox and shingles)
Emotional stress. such as a divorce, illness, death in the family, or other notable life events (losing a job/moving house etc).
Physical stress. Anything that causes a lot of stress to the body, such as surgery, physical injury - particularly traumatic injury, pregnancy or giving birth.
Toxins. In a 2023 study researchers investigated other possible environmental triggers of SLE. Possible environmental triggers include: being around certain chemicals such as pesticides in an agricultural setting, cigarette smoke (including passive smoking), air pollution, mercury, lead and silica could be linked to lupus.
Some drugs. Some drugs can trigger lupus, this is known as Drug Induced Lupus. Once the suspected medication is stopped, symptoms should decline within days. Usually symptoms disappear within one or two weeks, although there are reported cases of DIL that do not go away completely after the offending drug is removed.
