Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Lupus
1746874680
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, causing inflammation and damage to the skin, joints, and organs like the kidneys. It is characterized by flares, when symptoms worsen, and remissions, when symptoms improve.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood but is believed to involve genetic and environmental factors. If a family member has lupus, you may be more at risk. Triggers like sun exposure, infections, or certain medications can worsen symptoms.
Symptoms vary widely but commonly include: ✔️ Severe fatigue. ✔️ Joint pain and stiffness. ✔️ Skin rashes, like the butterfly-shaped rash on the face. ✔️ Fever, hair loss, or sensitivity to sunlight.
Diagnosing lupus can take time as symptoms mimic other diseases. Diagnosis involves blood tests, symptom history, and imaging to assess organ involvement.
Treatment aims to control symptoms and prevent complications: ✔️ Anti-inflammatory medications for joint pain and swelling. ✔️ Corticosteroids and immune-suppressants to reduce immune attacks. ✔️ Lifestyle changes, like sun protection, stress management, and a healthy diet.
Lupus needs long-term management. A rheumatologist and other specialists should be part of your care team. Besides standard treatments, regenerative medicine options, such as PRP injections or biologic therapies, might help with inflammation and pain, especially in joints.
If you experience persistent fatigue, joint pain, or rashes, early treatment can help control symptoms and improve your quality of life. Discuss with our team to find the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
How is lupus diagnosed?
Diagnosing lupus involves a combination of blood tests, a detailed symptom history, and imaging tests to assess organ involvement. Diagnosis can take time due to the wide range of symptoms that overlap with other conditions.
What are common symptoms associated with lupus?
Lupus symptoms can vary widely but commonly include severe fatigue, joint pain and stiffness, skin rashes such as a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, fever, hair loss, and sensitivity to sunlight. These symptoms can mimic those of other diseases, making diagnosis challenging.
What are the treatment options for managing lupus?
There is no cure for lupus, but treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing complications. This may include anti-inflammatory medications for joint pain, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants to reduce immune system attacks, and lifestyle changes such as sun protection and stress management. A rheumatologist and other specialists typically oversee long-term management.
What causes lupus and who is at risk?
The exact cause of lupus is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, such as sun exposure, infections, or certain medications. Individuals with a family history of lupus may be at higher risk, and the condition is more prevalent in women and certain ethnic groups.
What is lupus and how does it affect the body?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, causing inflammation and damage to areas such as the skin, joints, and organs, particularly the kidneys. The condition involves periods of flares, when symptoms worsen, and remissions, when symptoms improve.