Kemi Afolabi’s Battle With Lupus, What Experts Say, What You Must Know

Nigerian actress Kemi Afolabi has revealed that doctors told her that she has five years to live. She made this known in an interview.

Speaking with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, the actress disclosed her battle with Lupus.

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The actress said that the ailment has cost her a lot. According to her, so far, she has spent N1.2m on treatment. She added that the disease has no cure.

Afolabi said;

“I have lupus. It’s not curable. You just have to take medications for the rest of your life.”

What is Lupus?

Lupus is an inflammatory disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the tissues and organs.

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Inflammation caused by Lupus affects various parts of the body like:

• The Joints.
• Skin.
• Kidney.
• Heart.
• Lungs.
• Brain.
• Blood cell.

Symptoms of Lupus

According to Mayo Clinic, lupus can’t be easily detected because the signs symptoms mimic other ailments. Meanwhile, there are rare symptoms of Lupus such as:

1. Butterfly looking skin rash.
2. Fatigue.
3. Skin rash.
4. Joint pain.
5. Skin Lesions that deteriorate with sun exposure.

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Severe symptoms include:

1. Dry chest.
2. Chest pains.
3. Shortness of breath.
4. Headaches.
5. Confusion.
6. Memory loss.
7. Ongoing fever
8. Persistent body ache.

Treatment for Lupus

According to NHS, Lupus can be treated with:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen.
• Steroid tablets.
• Steroid injections.
• Creams for kidney inflammation and rashes
• Rituximab and belimumab.