Lupus Predominantly Affects Females of Child-Bearing Age

A Spring, TX, resident, Donald “Don” Lee Pferdehirt works as head of global technical support for MDI Operations for Bayer Corporation, dealing with the safety, product development, and quality improvement for the finished goods division of the company. 

As head of global MDI operations support with Bayer Corporation, Spring, TX resident Donald "Don" Lee Pferdehirt draws upon more than 30 years of engineering and management experience in overseeing capital planning and product development functions. Beyond his professional pursuits, Don Pferdehirt is a longtime supporter of the Lupus Foundation of Pittsburgh. 

According to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), lupus affects 1.5 million Americans, but predominantly females between the ages of 15 and 45. In fact, 90 percent of all individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus fall into the aforementioned category. Like other diseases, early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes, but it can be difficult to diagnose given the changing symptoms associated with the disease. No two patients are exactly alike in regard to their symptoms and, as a result, the disease may quietly progress in women who are in otherwise great health. 

Symptoms generally depend on which body systems are affected by the disease, but they most commonly include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as fatigue, shortness of breath, rashes, skin lesions, and memory loss. Changes in taste and smell may also occur. As it stands, the disease cannot be cured, but it can be managed through various treatment options. Those diagnosed with the disease should consider charting symptoms in a journal and consulting with their physician to adjust medication and discuss lifestyle changes.