Home - health - Early signs and management options of lupus

Early signs and management options of lupus

Early signs and management options of lupus

Lupus is  a condition where  the body’s immune system begins to attack its  own  healthy cells, muscles, tissues, and organs, causing severe inflammation. It can occur in any body part, such as the joints, skin, blood cells, brain, kidneys, heart,  and/or  lungs. Symptoms of this autoimmune disease begin to appear  between the ages of 15 and 44 and can  often be difficult to detect due to their similarity with other ailments.

Early signs of lupus
One of the most common signs  of lupus is the appearance of a butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and  the bridge of the nose. Other signs and symptoms may include:

– Fatigue
– Unexplained fever, between 98.5˚F (36.9˚C) and 101˚F (38.3˚C)
– Joint pain, stiffness,  and/or  swelling
– Skin lesions that change depending on sun exposure
– Fingers or toes that appear blue or white  when exposed to the cold
– Shortness of breath
– Chest pain
– Dry eyes
– Headaches, confusion, and memory problems
– Hair loss or the appearance of bald spots on the scalp
– Kidney inflammation with symptoms like swelling in the lower legs and feet, high blood pressure, blood in the urine, darker urine, pain in the side of the body, or a frequent urge to urinate at night
– Gastrointestinal problems like heartburn and acid reflux
– Thyroid problems
– Dry mouth

Lupus treatment
Currently, there is no known cure for lupus.  However, the condition can be managed using a combination of treatments to prevent flare-ups and minimize damage to the  organs in the body .

This course of treatment may include a variety of medical interventions that work together to suppress the immune system, reduce the severity of inflammation, relieve pain, and slow down the progression of symptoms. Healthcare providers are best equipped to chart this out depending on an individual’s symptoms, age, and overall medical history.

In addition to formal treatment, changing certain lifestyle habits can go a long way in managing the condition at home. Some of these include limiting sun exposure, staying healthy and active to reduce joint pain, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and prioritizing one’s mental health.

Latest Articles

8 early signs and symptoms of lupus

8 early signs and symptoms of lupus

Lupus is an inflammatory autoimmune health condition wherein one’s immune system attacks healthy tissues and body organs. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus caused due to some prescription medicines, and neonatal lupus are the types of this condition. Although the exact cause of lupus is unclear, the cell-death theory, proposing that such inflammation is a normal cell-renewal process, is a widely accepted explanation. Taking the necessary steps to heal from lupus begins with identifying its early signs: Butterfly-shaped rashes A butterfly-shaped rash that spreads across the face, typically covering the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, is a common symptom of lupus. Such rashes are often the result of exposure to UV rays and the consequent adverse reaction of immune-related cells in the body. Lung problems Pleuritis, pulmonary hypertension, “shrinking lung” syndrome, lupus pneumonitis, and acute lupus pneumonitis are the major lung problems due to lupus. Such lung issues are caused due to inflammation of the outer lining of the lungs, which worsens pain. Shortness of breath often results from such lung ailments. Swelling of joints Lupus can also lead to joint inflammation, causing acute joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in areas like the shoulders, neck, thighs, and arms. It also tends to affect joints in the body’s periphery, such as fingers, knees, ankles, and toes.
Read More
Foods to eat for managing lupus and its symptoms

Foods to eat for managing lupus and its symptoms

Lupus is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and pain across the body. It occurs when the immune system erroneously attacks healthy tissues and organs, which means it is an autoimmune condition. Unfortunately, there is no specific meal plan for lupus. That said, eating and avoiding certain foods can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications. So, let’s look at what foods to eat to prevent lupus flare-ups. Flaxseeds It is considered a superfood by many nutritionists. Adding flaxseeds to your daily meals can avoid or reduce lupus flare-ups to a large extent. The alpha-linolenic acid present in it has atherogenic properties that can reduce inflammation associated with lupus. The lignans present in flaxseeds are platelet-activating factor (PAF) – receptor antagonists that can also be beneficial in treating lupus nephritis. Fatty fish Fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, trout, and herring are rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and HUFA (highly unsaturated fatty acid), which are a type of omega-3 fatty acid. These nutrients are associated with decreasing inflammation due to autoimmune diseases like lupus. Other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce or avoid lupus flare-ups include Brussels sprouts, algal oil, chia seeds, walnuts, among others. Whole grains Metabolism plays an essential role in any disease management.
Read More
Foods to avoid with lupus

Foods to avoid with lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Although the common symptoms are fatigue, fever, skin rashes, and joint pain, these can vary from person to person and can be confused with many other illnesses. Lupus is, therefore, referred to as “a disease with a thousand faces.” Like most other conditions, though, food choices play an essential role in managing the symptoms. Here are four foods to avoid for lupus. Alfalfa sprouts Alfalfa sprouts, or the shoots of the alfalfa plant, can increase inflammation in the body. This is particularly true for people with lupus and other autoimmune conditions. A compound called L-canavanine present in alfalfa is responsible for this. L-canavanine can stimulate the immune system and worsen the symptoms of the disease. Therefore, lupus patients must avoid alfalfa, whether as sprouts or as a garnish for soups and sandwiches. Garlic Garlic enhances the activity of white blood cells, including the lymphocytes and macrophages of the immune system. While this enhanced immune response is beneficial for others, it can prove counterproductive for lupus patients. This does not mean one should entirely eliminate the herb from the menu. Mindful and monitored consumption of garlic is okay without going overboard.
Read More
Common signs and management options for SMA

Common signs and management options for SMA

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic neuromuscular condition causing muscle weakness and wasting. SMA patients experience the depletion of motor neurons within the spinal cord. These specific nerve cells are crucial in regulating muscle movement. Without these motor neurons, muscles don’t receive nerve signals, making them weaker and smaller and curtailing movement. Approximately 10,000-25,000 children and adults in the country have SMA. Moreover, one in every 6,000 children is born with this rare condition. Symptoms SMA symptoms depend on its severity and type as well as the age of the patient.  Some common signs include – Difficulty swallowing and breathing Muscle twitching and weakness Difficulty sitting, walking, and standing Changes in the shape of the chest, spine, and limbs due to muscle weakness In Type-I or infantile-onset SMA, affected infants may experience symptoms such as reduced movement, chronic shortening of muscles, reduced muscle tone, lack of tendon reflexes, twitching, skeletal abnormalities, and problems with swallowing and feeding. These symptoms are clearly evident within 6 months of birth.  Type-II SMA is diagnosed among children between 6 and 18 months old. It mostly affects the lower limbs. Noticeable symptoms may include inability to stand or walk without help and respiratory difficulties.  Symptoms of Type-III SMA start appearing after 18 months.
Read More

© 2024 RegisInfo.com. All Rights Reserved.