Lupus Specialist

What is lupus?

Lupus is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, and internal organs. The body’s immune system is its natural defense mechanism. While the immune system’s primary role is to attack foreign pathogens, lupus causes it to see your own body tissues as a threat. Your immune system responds by causing widespread inflammation.

Are there different kinds of lupus?

Three types of lupus can affect adults:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common form of lupus. It affects several organs throughout the body, including the skin, kidneys, and lungs.

Cutaneous lupus

Less common than SLE, cutaneous lupus is exclusive to the skin and does not affect your underlying organs.

Drug-induced lupus

Drug-induced lupus occurs in direct response to specific medications, including blood pressure, tuberculosis, and heart rhythm medications. Symptoms typically subside within six months with proper care.

What are the symptoms of lupus?

Lupus symptoms depend on which kind you have, but some of the most common signs of the condition include:

• Joint pain and swelling
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• Butterfly-shaped skin rash
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Swelling in the hands and feet and around the eyes

In addition to the above symptoms, lupus can also cause hair loss and sores inside the mouth and nose.

What causes lupus?

While physicians don’t know the exact cause of lupus, they believe genetics and environmental factors contribute to its development. Certain medications, infections, or overexposure to sunlight can also trigger a lupus flare-up.

Common risk factors for lupus include:

• Being a woman
• Being between 15 and 45
• Being Hispanic, Asian-American, or African-American
• Having a family history of autoimmune disease

The Rheumatology Associates team considers your entire background and medical history when diagnosing lupus.

How is lupus treated?

Rheumatology Associates offers several treatments for lupus. Depending on your symptoms, the team could recommend Benlysta, a prescription medicine available in intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous forms. Benlysta can reduce flare-ups in many different kinds of lupus.

In addition, the team will recommend:

• Avoiding too much sun exposure
• Exercising regularly
• Taking Oasis Health supplements
• Following a healthy diet
• Quitting smoking

Call Rheumatology Associates, or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about diagnosing and treating lupus.