5 Things You Should Know About Living With Lupus

 

Living with lupus is not easy. It can be a challenge to manage the disease on a day-to-day basis, and there are many things that people with lupus need to know in order to live as comfortably as possible. Here are five important things that everyone should know about living with lupus.

 

By Rachelle Wilber

Lupus Basics

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can cause overwhelming fatigue, extreme joint pain, and a variety of other symptoms that can last for long periods of time. The exact cause of lupus remains unknown, however, it does seem to involve an abnormal response from the body’s immune system, in which the body mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissue.

 

Lupus can affect any person at any age however it is most commonly found in women between the ages of 15 to 40. There is no cure for Lupus yet, but many treatment options are available along with lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms. If you or a loved one lives with Lupus, you can show your support by wearing Lupus Awareness Pins. It's also important to stay informed and discuss any new developments or treatment options with your doctor in order to ensure the best possible care plan.

Common Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus is a serious condition that can have wide-ranging effects on everyday life. It typically causes fatigue, joint pain, and the classic symptom of a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose. While diagnosing it can be difficult due to the mild symptoms, it is important to visit your doctor if you experience any of these signs. With proper treatment, lupus does not have to have an overwhelming effect on daily life. Your doctor can start you on a course of managing the symptoms to mitigate their impact and help you attain a better quality of life.

Difficult to Diagnose

Lupus can be a tricky disease to diagnose due to its symptoms often resembling those associated with other illnesses. Because of this, doctors must perform thorough examinations, tests, and evaluations in order to rule out other potential causes as they narrow in on lupus as the culprit. Although there is no single test used to definitively diagnose lupus, one useful tool doctors use is blood tests that detect the presence of proteins called antinuclear antibodies. These antibodies are commonly found in patients with lupus and can distinguish it from other autoimmune diseases. Therefore, while diagnosing lupus may take time and patience, with proper testing and examination the right call can be made.

Treatments Can Help With Symptoms

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for lupus. However, treatments are available to assist people in managing their symptoms and decreasing their chances of experiencing future flares. People who take medications as prescribed, manage stress levels, and follow a healthy lifestyle can generally improve their quality of life. Furthermore, support groups are in place to help those affected by Lupus to cope with all of the social and emotional challenges that can come with living with a chronic illness. It's important to remember that even though lupus cannot be cured right now, there are options available for helping those suffering from it lead more manageable lives.

See a Doctor Regularly

For those living with lupus, it's important to remember that seeing a doctor regularly and taking preventive measures to protect your health is a key part of staying well. Regular visits provide an opportunity for your doctor to monitor your condition and keep track of any changes in your health or lifestyle so that they can develop personalized treatment plans tailored to you. Additionally, engaging in healthy habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, reducing stress levels, and getting plenty of rest can greatly help build up the immune system and lessen the impact the condition may have on day-to-day life. Taking care of yourself means taking steps towards managing lupus—and that starts with regularly visiting a doctor.

 

Although there is no cure for lupus, it is possible to manage the symptoms with treatments. If you have lupus, it's important to see a doctor regularly and take steps to protect your health. There are many helpful resources available online if you want to learn more about lupus, including the Lupus Foundation of America website.

 

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