What are the Signs, Symptoms & Treatments of Lupus

Lupus is a condition that can manifest in many different signs and symptoms may vary from individual to individual. For instance, some individuals might endure edema and high temperature while others feel drained constantly or suffer from kidney issues. Someone else may present with rashes & over time, new or different symptoms could arise or some may experience less frequently.

People with Lupus can experience varying intensities of symptoms, which can come and go. It is a chronic condition in which patients experience episodes of flare-ups (when the symptoms worsen) and remissions (when the symptoms improve).

Signs & symptoms of Lupus

• You may feel discomfort and tightness in your muscles and joints, with or without inflammation.
• Fever is often caused by an irritated immune system or a bacterial/viral infection. Taking lupus medication can help manage and ward off the fever in many cases.
• A tell-tale sign of lupus is typically a distinct red, butterfly-shaped rash that spreads across the nose and cheeks.
• People with Lupus are known to experience chest pain when performing deep breathing as a result of inflammation in the lungs.
• Hair loss, particularly patchy or baldness, is a common condition. In some cases, it can be caused by medication or infection.
• For some individuals diagnosed with lupus, exposure to sunlight or other light sources can lead to rashes, fever, exhaustion, or even joint discomfort. Therefore they must take extra precautions to protect themselves from strong light sources.
• Around half of the individuals living with lupus also have a form of a kidney condition known as lupus nephritis.

Other Signs of Lupus

• Many people experience mouth sores or ulcers, which usually show up on the roof of their mouths. They can also be found in their gums, inside cheeks, and sometimes on their lips. These sores may not be painful or they might cause slight soreness and dryness of the mouth.
• Experiencing excessive tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest is a sign of prolonged or extreme fatigue. No matter how much sleep you get, the exhaustion you feel will remain unless underlying causes.
• Anemia is a condition mark by a shortage of healthy red blood cells in the body. Symptoms like fatigue could signal an underlying issue of Anemia as these cells are responsible for transporting oxygen around the body.
• Lupus patients often experience issues with memory, including forgetfulness and confusion.
• It’s important to be aware of the potential risks of blood clotting. These include clots in your legs or lungs, stroke, heart attack, and recurrent miscarriages. Taking the necessary precautions can help reduce these risks and keep you safe.
• People are known to suffer from eye-related issues such as dry eyes, inflammation, and eyelid rashes due to different types of eye diseases.

Signs of lupus: diagnosis

Lupus is a unique condition that can be difficult to accurately diagnose because its manifestations are often similar to those of other ailments. As a result, it can take some individuals quite sometime before they get their correct diagnosis. If any signs of lupus manifest themselves in you, you must inform your doctor immediately.

A definitive diagnosis of lupus cannot be using just one test, however, there are other ways to find out if you have the disease. These include:

• Make sure you monitor the duration of these symptoms for more accurate diagnostic results. Your medical history is an important factor in your overall health.
• If any of your family have had lupus or another autoimmune condition, make sure to inform your doctor. This type of hereditary medical history can be important in diagnosis and treatment.
• Your doctor will perform a detailed physical examination to look out for any rashes and other clues that can indicate an underlying health issue.
• Blood and urine tests, such as the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, can help to determine if your immune system is prone to producing the autoantibodies associated with lupus.
• Taking a biopsy is a small surgical procedure to remove tissue for further examination under the microscope. Samples from both skin and kidneys can reveal the presence of autoimmune conditions when assessed this way.

Signs of lupus: Treatment

Unfortunately, lupus is incurable but there are treatments available to minimize its signs and improve your condition. The specific treatment plan for an individual will depend upon the person’s particular symptoms and needs.

Medicines to treat lupus

Lupus can be managed through a variety of medications. Your medical team will work with you to find the right treatment based on your situation and may adjust the prescribed medicine as needed over time.

Lupus can be treated with a variety of medications, including:

• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help manage mild musculoskeletal aches & pains, reducing inflammation and providing relief. Fortunately, these medications are easy to get over the counter.
• Corticosteroids such as prednisone are often in use to treat swelling, tenderness, and pain which is by lupus. These medications can also be in high doses to help regulate the immune system. Lupus symptoms often show a major improvement quickly with corticosteroids.
• Antimalarial drugs are in use to treat malaria as well as a range of other symptoms such as joint pain, skin rashes, fatigue, and lung inflammation. Recent studies have suggested that taking antimalarial medicine can help prevent lupus flares and improve the longevity of people with lupus.
• BLyS-specific inhibitors are to limit the number of abnormal B cells found in people with lupus. The drugs can offer effective relief and help manage the condition better.
• In severe cases of lupus, immunosuppressive agents/chemotherapy may be a viable option as other treatments have failed. However, it comes with serious risks due to its ability to decrease the immune system’s ability to fight off infections and cause severe side effects.
• Besides medications for lupus, you might need additional medicines to treat illnesses associated with it, like hypertension or osteoporosis. These drugs can help you alleviate the symptoms and improve your outlook.

Takeaway

If you are experiencing any lupus symptoms & signs, it is important to talk to your doctor about them. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the chronic disease yet but it manageable with the right treatment. With the right treatment, you can see considerable improvements in your symptoms and even stop flares or further health issues typically associated with lupus. Your medication plan will depend on your signs and needs.

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