Lupus

What is lupus?

Lupus is a chronic (ongoing) condition in which your immune system attacks body tissues and organs. Lupus causes inflammation that may negatively impact your blood, kidneys, joints, skin, brain, heart, or lungs.

Lupus is often hard to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to many other conditions. Treatment helps you gain control of troublesome symptoms. 

What are the symptoms of lupus?

The most common symptoms of lupus are:

• Fever 
• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Swelling
• Fatigue
• Butterfly-shaped face rash
• Skin lesions
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Whitish or bluish fingers and toes
• Dry eyes
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Vision problems
• Behavior changes

When left untreated, complications of lupus might include kidney disease, kidney failure, painful breathing, heart inflammation, or blood issues. 

If needed because of kidney damage, your Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, specialist helps you manage your dialysis treatment.

What are the risk factors for lupus?

The common risk factors for lupus stem from genetics or your environment, but the underlying cause isn’t entirely clear. Your risk may increase due to a family history of lupus. Triggers for developing bothersome symptoms include sunlight exposure, medications, infections, and being female. Being 15-45 years old also boosts your chance of having lupus.

How does my provider diagnose lupus?

To determine if you have lupus, your provider reviews your symptoms, medical history, medication regimen, and lifestyle habits. They check your blood pressure and other vital signs, complete a physical exam, and may order blood tests, urine testing, X-rays, an echocardiogram, or a kidney biopsy. 

How is lupus treated?

If you have lupus, your specialist might suggest you take medications or make lifestyle changes to ease negative symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. They may suggest seeing your doctor regularly, getting regular exercise, protecting your skin from the sun, and not smoking. 

Eat nutritious foods rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and ask your doctor about taking vitamin D, calcium, fish oil, or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplements. 

Your Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, provider tailors the lupus treatment to suit your personalized needs and makes changes to your plan if needed to offer the most relief. 

To get screened or treated for lupus, call the Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC office, or schedule an appointment online today.