Lupus patients from lower socio-economic populations have a higher risk of suffering organ damage as a result of the condition.
According to new research published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology, persistent poverty is linked to an increase in the amount of damage caused by lupus over time. On the other hand, persons who are able to improve their economic conditions may alleviate those signs of damage.
Chronic stress, which is often linked to poverty, could be to blame for the higher risk of organ damage that people from lower socio-economic backgrounds suffer. The study which focused on 783 patients found that stresses related to availability of food, affordable housing, and medical care were linked to a higher risk of suffering organ damage.
Lupus is a condition in which the immune system of the body attacks organs and tissues, causing severe damage to joints. It is more common among blacks and women.
If you suffer from lupus, you may qualify for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance program. Persons who suffer from lupus may find that their symptoms are initially not too severe, but progressively worsen, causing severe damage. This is why applications for SSD benefits for lupus may not be approved during the earlier stages of the disease.
However, symptoms can quickly progress, and disability can set in within a matter of months. Typically, severe symptoms can cause damage to the heart, lungs, blood, and joints. Severe exhaustion, fever, weight loss, and extreme joint pain may result in an inability to work independently. Persons who suffer from such joint pain may also find themselves unable to perform routine tasks such as lifting and carrying. Such joint pain can also make it difficult for a person to sit for long periods of time, making certain types of clerical or administrative jobs impossible to maintain.