For those of you in Charleston who are living with lupus or know others who have been diagnosed with the autoimmune condition know just how difficult it can be to do everyday tasks. In some cases, someone may not be able to work because the symptoms associated with lupus are so severe. In order to pay for the medications, therapies and general living costs, anyone who cannot work can apply for disability benefits. For some West Virginia residents, this is the only income coming into the home.

Whether someone is on disability benefits or not, a new discovery could prove useful to people with the disease. Scientists have recently published a study that says it is a genetic mutation, not the presence of reactive oxygen species molecules, that predispose someone to lupus. After searching through the genes that were connected to lupus, the scientists identified mutations in the gene.

The researchers then looked at how the gene mutations affected the immune system. Lupus, which is a chronic autoimmune condition, destroys the body with inflammation as it fights infection. The main areas of the body that typically are damaged are the cardiovascular and nervous system, the kidneys, lungs, joints and the skin.

While there is no cure for lupus, researchers hope this new discovery will pave the way to create gene therapies that will directly alter reactive oxygen species and reduce inflammation. The discovery should also make it easier for doctors to diagnose patients that are at an increased likelihood of developing lupus.

Any medical condition can take its toll on a person, but when the disease prevents someone from working, it necessitates looking for outside help. Disability benefits are an important tool for many people living with physical disabilities or medical conditions that can no longer work.

Source: Health Canal, "Gene Mutation That Increases Risk For Lupus Found," Alison Trinidad, Jan. 3, 2012