Lupus

Lupus is like seeing the body score a home goal. It is an autoimmune disease whereby the body’s own immune system attacks itself.
It can cause inflammation internally, in the heart, lungs or kidneys (it can even affect one’s blood cells) or it can manifest itself externally notably on the skin. This frequently, but not always, appears as a rash straddling both sides of the face.
Lupus develops in a different way. Sometimes it arises very quickly; sometimes it develops over a period of weeks or months. Most people who suffer from the condition experience flares whereby the disease calms down for a while, sometimes appearing to disappear completely then flares into activity again.

Symptoms

If the symptoms are external, apart from the rash across the face, skin lesions appear in many cases, especially when a person is exposed to strong sunlight. Pains can be experienced in different places. One can have chest pains, joint pains, and fingers and toes can even turn white in the cold. Fatigue, headaches, mental confusion, short breath, and dry eyes are some of the most common symptoms of Lupus. Infections can sometimes set Lupus off or encourage a recurrence. Because Lupus usually weakens the immune system, it does increase the chances of other ailments starting up also.

Treatments

Treatment for lupus tends to be medications and your doctor will determine which is best for you and your lupus symptoms. It might be that you have to change medications or dosages as your lupus symptoms flare up and subside.

Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAIDs)

Naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.) can treat the pain, fever, and swelling given from your lupus. Your doctor can prescribe stronger pain relievers if over-the-counter have no effect.

Antimalarial Drugs

In order to decrease the likelihood of a flare-up, your doctor may prescribe hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) which is commonly used to treat malaria because the medication affects the immune system and can help with lupus symptoms.

Corticosteroids

To counter the inflammation corticosteroids such as prednisone will be administered by your doctor. In order to control the serious symptoms of lupus high doses of steroids are often used such as methylprednislone (A-Methapred, Medrol).

Immunosuppressants

These medications suppress the immune system and can help with cases of serious lupus. Drugs such as azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan), mycophenolate motel (CellCept) and methotrexate (Trexall) could be prescribe by your doctor.

Biologics

Administered intravenously (IV), belimumab (Benlysta) is a medication that can reduce lupus symptoms.

Rituximab (Rituxan)

If the lupus symptoms are resistant to other medications then this drug could benefit and help to reduce systems.

Things to do at Home

Simple things can help to prevent lupus flare-ups and help you to cope better with the symptoms of lupus.

Regularly see your doctor — to address routine health concerns like stress, diet, and exercise can help prevent lupus flare-ups. See your doctor even when your symptoms are not that bad so you can talk about steps to take to stop the flare-ups.
Beware of the sun — ultraviolet light can bring a flare-up so make sure to wear cover-ups like hats, long-sleeves and long trousers. Use sunscreens with an SPF of at least 55 if not higher whenever you go outside.
Exercise — exercising regularly can help to keep your bones strong and limit the risk of a heart attack as well as increasing your generally health and well-being.
Don’t smoke — if you smoke it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and worsen the effects of lupus symptoms on your heart and blood vessels.
Healthy diet — eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep healthy and well. If you have high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems or kidney damage means you might need a diet restriction plan.
Vitamin D and calcium supplement — you might benefit from these supplements so take one vitamin and supplement every day.

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