The body’s immune system naturally fights infections and abnormal tissues to prevent diseases. However, health problems such as lupus Barker Cypress can cause the body’s defense system to attack healthy tissues and organs. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation to various body parts, including your skin, kidneys, joints, lungs, heart, and brain. Patients with lupus usually have varying symptoms depending on the affected body organs. Diagnosis of lupus can be challenging since its signs and symptoms are often similar to those of other conditions. Here is more information about lupus.
Symptoms for lupus
Patients with lupus have different experiences when it comes to signs and symptoms. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly (flare-ups) and vary in extremity. Some people have severe signs and symptoms, while others have mild ones. Although these signs and symptoms vary based on the inflamed body system, the most common ones are here.
- Fever
- Pain, swelling, and joint stiffness
- Fatigue
- Rash on your cheeks and nose bridge
- Chest pain
- Skin sores or lesions that worsen with sun exposure
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
What causes lupus?
There is no established or known cause for lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs due to the immune system’s abnormal response to healthy cells, tissues, and organs. This disease can occur due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors. People whose families have a predisposition to lupus may develop this problem when in contact with specific triggers. The following are some possible triggers for lupus.
- Sunlight. If you are susceptible to lupus, being out in the sun may trigger your immune response or result in sores and lesions on your skin.
- Infections. Different infections can cause lupus to recur or develop in some people.
- Medications. Drug-induced lupus develops due to using antibiotics and blood pressure medications. Most patients find relief from the signs and symptoms after stopping drug usage. However, in some rare cases, symptoms may persist even when you no longer use the drugs.
Is there treatment for lupus?
Yes, there are different treatment approaches that specialists use to address lupus. However, these treatment methods only help symptom management but do not cure the disease. A discussion between you and the doctor gives you more insight into the different treatment methods and enables you to understand the benefits and risks of each. As you monitor your flare-ups, your doctor may recommend another medication and dosage. Examples of drugs used to manage lupus signs and symptoms include:
- Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can help control symptoms like fever and pain.
- Corticosteroids. High doses of drugs such as Medrol can benefit patients with severe lupus that involves organs such as the kidney. Because of its long-term side effects, specialists recommend the short-term use of these drugs. Some of the side effects of high dosage and extended use include high blood pressure, weight gain, bone thinning, and diabetes.
If you have further questions about lupus and how it may affect your kidneys, consult your Houston Kidney Specialists Center doctor.
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