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Lupus is a misunderstood condition because it expresses itself differently in each patient. While there are many variations, there are common symptoms, including excessive fatigue, chronic pain, and rashes. However, with the help of a rheumatologist and your primary care doctor, the disease can be managed and its flare-ups minimized. 

What Causes Lupus?

Causes

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In most circumstances, the immune system detects an infection when it enters the body. It sends antibodies and white blood cells to attack and remove it. The action prevents illnesses from expressing themselves. However, in SLE cases, the immune system's antibodies misidentify healthy organs, tissue, and cells as a threat. They attack the body itself, causing lupus symptoms. 

A genetic predisposition or environmental factors can trigger lupus. Blood-related siblings are more likely to develop lupus, likely due to a shared genetic mutation, affecting susceptibility.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common infection related to lupus development. While it may not express symptoms in patients, its exposure to the body can make the immune system vulnerable to lupus later in life. 

Puberty and pregnancy cause hormonal changes, with women becoming more susceptible to lupus over time. 

Environmental factors can also leave people vulnerable to lupus expression. Most often, these factors include smoking or excessive sunlight exposure. 

Occurrences 

Up to 90% of lupus cases occur in women between the ages of 15 and 44. Most women affected by lupus are African American, Asian, Hispanic, or of indigenous descent. A third of patients with SLE will also be diagnosed with another autoimmune condition. The most common are Hughes syndrome, Sjogren's syndrome, and thyroid diseases. Like lupus, these conditions can be controlled through medication. 

What Are Lupus Symptoms?

1. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is common in lupus cases, with most patients experiencing joint discomfort in their hands and feet. The location of the distress will likely change from one grouping of joints to another quickly. Symptoms of flare-ups are often confused with arthritis or pre-menstrual tension. The pain will be worse in the morning but will usually taper off during the day. While lupus causes discomfort, it's unlikely to cause permanent damage and can be managed through medication. 

2. Excessive Fatigue

Chronic Pain

You may feel fatigue as one of the symptoms, even if you've had a full night's rest. It can be excessive, causing once simple everyday tasks to become exhausting. The fatigue symptom may become the most disruptive, as it can impact both your career and social life. 

3. Skin Rashes

Rashes spanning the cheeks and over the bridge of the nose are common, sometimes causing itching or discomfort. The irritations may also occur elsewhere on the face, along with the wrists and hands. For some people, the rashes may fade after a few days or weeks, but the rashes are permanent for other patients. The rashes can also become photosensitive, increasing discomfort when exposed to sunlight. 

4. Tertiary Symptoms

Almost all forms of lupus result in chronic pain, fatigue, and rashes. However, other symptoms may express themselves over time, including:

  • Depression.
  • Fever.
  • Hair loss. 
  • High blood pressure.
  • Migraines.
  • Recurring oral ulcers.
  • Swollen lymph glands. 

While these symptoms may not be an extension of SLE, it's best to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. They can treat these conditions even if they aren't related to lupus flare-ups. 

What Are Lupus Treatments? 

Corticosteroids

If you're experiencing significant symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a temporary corticosteroid. It will quickly reduce inflammation and control the expression. Your physician will then gradually decrease the dosage, preventing long-term side effects

Hydroxychloroquine

Chronic Pain

Hydroxychloroquine can treat SLE symptoms, like fatigue, chronic pain, and rashes. While it may take up to 12 weeks for the medication to take effect, it's safe to prescribe in the long term. Hydroxychloroquine can control symptoms, minimize or prevent future flare-ups, and prevent lupus complications. 

Immunosuppressants

Lupus is a derangement of the immune system. The damage it does can be minimized through immunosuppressants. They protect the healthy parts of the body that are under attack during flare-ups. Your rheumatologist may prescribe one along with a corticosteroid if symptoms become severe. In other cases, an immunosuppressant allows your physician to reduce the corticosteroid's dose.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs reduce inflammation, relieving chronic joint and muscle pain caused by lupus. There are common variations that can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed by a physician. In mild SLE patients, a doctor may suggest an OTC, like ibuprofen or naproxen. If your symptoms are more severe, stronger, prescribed NSAIDs will provide relief. 

However, they're not always a suitable treatment method. If you have liver, kidney, stomach issues, or asthma, physicians will provide alternative medications that won't affect these conditions. There are currently many medications proven effective against lupus. It's just a matter of matching your specific symptoms with the correct treatment. 

 

For over 20 years, lupus patients have received the compassionate care they need at Urgent & Primary Care. Their physicians are certified internists and rheumatologists who will help you manage symptoms and reduce the likelihood of complications. They also provide detailed, personalized care plans to prevent flare-ups. If you're in Albany, NY, and its surrounding areas, you can rely on their one-on-one support when you need it most. For more information on their services, visit their website. To schedule an appointment in-person or virtually over Teladoc®, call them at (518) 463-8262. 

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