The immune system protects our body from various types of bacteria and viruses. However, when suffering from lupus, your immune system attacks and damages your organs. If this condition is not treated, the damage it causes may also lead to some life-threatening situations. However, like any other complicated condition, if lupus is diagnosed at an early stage, the symptoms can be treated quite easily with some medication and healthy lifestyle tips.

The concrete cause of lupus is still unknown. Nonetheless, numerous studies on this condition have found some common factors which are known to increase the risk of this disorder.

The major risk factors associated with lupus include the following:

1. Genes
Most health specialists claim that changes in the genes that help your immune system recognize harmful viruses can cause lupus. Lupus is also considered as a genetic disorder, which means if anyone from your family has had it, you are likely to be affected by it as well.

Certain ethnic groups who share common genes may also get lupus. Some of these ethnic groups are African-Americans, Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, Native Hawaiians, Asians, and Native Americans. Thus, if you belong to either of these groups, you could be at risk of acquiring this condition.

2. Viruses
Your immune system generally starts working when a bacteria or virus enters your body. However, sometimes, due to unknown issues, your immune system does not stop working even after doing its job. Doctors generally consider this to be one of the causes of lupus. Some types of viruses which are generally considered to be linked to lupus are:

• Epstein-Barr virus is known to cause a disease called mononucleosis
• Cytomegalovirus which generally affects babies and people with weak immune systems
• Herpes zoster virus is responsible for causing shingles in humans

3. Sunlight
The ultraviolet rays damage the outer portion and inner cells of the skin. However, the immune system may also start to attack these damaged cells, which may trigger lupus. Thus, continuous exposure to sunlight increases the risk of getting affected by this autoimmune disease. Consider carrying an umbrella or using sunscreen before you go out.

4. Medications
Some health specialists also tend to hold certain types of medicines responsible for triggering lupus. Some of these drugs are:

• Hydralazine
  This medication is popularly used to treat high blood pressure and some heart diseases.
• Quinidine
  It is generally prescribed to people suffering from malaria and some heart rhythm issues.
• Isoniazid
  This is used to treat some of the symptoms of tuberculosis infection.
• Other than these issues, stress is also known to increase the risks of developing lupus. Trying to manage stress with meditation and yoga, as they are quite beneficial for your health.