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 | | Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (sis-TEM-ick LOO-pus err-ah-theme-ahTOE-sus) is a chronic (long-lasting) rheumatic disease which affects joints, muscles and other parts of the body. Lupus involves inflammation (the immune system's response to kill foreign agents, virus, bacteria). Systemic lupus erythematosus involves chronic inflammation that can affect many parts of the body, including: |
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Myositis (my-OH-sigh-tiss) is a rare disease that involves inflammation that results in damage to muscle fibers and skin. Myositis is a term that describes several illnesses including polymyositis, dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. Polymyositis involves inflammation of the muscles and can affect many parts of the body. When inflammation of skin involved it is called dermatomyositis. |
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Raynaud's Phenomenon (ra-NODES fe-NOM-ah-non) is a condition in which poor blood flow results in discomfort and skin color changes in affected parts of the body. If left untreated or uncontrolled, it can affect fingers, toes, ears, nose, nipples and knees.There is no cure, but it can be controlled in most cases. Secondary Raynaud's may occur by itself or along with other diseases such as: |
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Polymyalgia rheumatica (PAH-lee-my-AL-jah roo-MAT-ti-kah), or PMR for short, is a condition that causes aching, severe muscle stiffness and pain. |
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Sjogren's syndrome (show-GRENS SIN-drome) is an autoimmune disease that causes dry eyes and a dry mouth. |
 | | Scleroderma (sclaire-row-DER-ma) is a disease that can cause thickening, hardening, or tightening of the skin, blood vessels and internal organs. Scleroderma is chronic, which means it can last a long time. There are two types of scleroderma: |
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Osteoporosis (os-TEA-oh-POOR-oh-sis) causes bones to lose strength and break easily as the person grows older. |
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 | | Rheumatoid arthritis (rue-ma-TOYD arth-write-tis) is a chronic disease, mainly characterized by inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints. It can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function and disability. |
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