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Oct 21, 2022 · Learn about the signs, symptoms and tests for lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various organs. Find out about the medications, self care and alternative treatments for lupus.
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May 13, 2020 · Learn about the types of medicines, doctors, and tips for treating lupus. Find out how to work with your doctors to control your symptoms, protect your organs, and prevent side effects.
Learn about the goals and options of lupus treatment, including antimalarial drugs, corticosteroids, immune suppressants and biologics. Find out how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent complications of lupus.
- Overview
- Symptoms and Causes
- Diagnosis and Tests
- Management and Treatment
- Prevention
- Outlook / Prognosis
- Living With
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that makes your immune system damage organs and tissue throughout your body. It causes inflammation that can affect your skin, joints, blood and organs like your kidneys, lungs and heart. A healthcare provider will help you find medications to manage your symptoms and reduce how often you experience flare-ups.
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What are lupus symptoms?
Lupus causes symptoms throughout your body, depending on which organs or systems it affects. Everyone experiences a different combination and severity of symptoms. Lupus symptoms usually come and go in waves called flare-ups. During a flare-up, the symptoms can be severe enough to affect your daily routine. You might also have periods of remission when you have mild or no symptoms. Symptoms usually develop slowly. You might notice one or two signs of lupus at first, and then more or different symptoms later on. The most common symptoms include: Joint pain, muscle pain or chest pain (especially when you’re taking a deep breath). Headaches. Rashes (it’s common to have a rash across your face that providers sometimes call a butterfly rash). Fever. Hair loss. Mouth sores. Fatigue (feeling tired all the time). Shortness of breath (dyspnea). Swollen glands. Swelling in your arms, legs or on your face. Confusion. Blood clots. Lupus can sometimes cause other health conditions or issues, including: Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight). Dry eye. Depression (or other mental health conditions). Seizures. Anemia. Raynaud’s syndrome. Osteoporosis. Heart disease. Kidney disease.
What causes lupus?
Experts don’t know for certain what causes lupus. Studies have found that certain factors about your health or where you live may trigger lupus: Genetic factors: Having certain genetic mutations may make you more likely to have lupus. Hormones: Reactions to certain hormones in your body (especially estrogen) may make you more likely to develop lupus. Environmental factors: Aspects about where you live and how much pollution or sunlight you’re exposed to might affect your lupus risk. Your health history: Smoking, your stress level and having certain other health conditions (like other autoimmune diseases) might trigger lupus.
How is lupus diagnosed?
A healthcare provider will diagnose lupus with a physical exam and some tests. They’ll examine your symptoms and talk to you about what you’re experiencing. Tell your provider when you first noticed symptoms or changes in your body. Your provider will ask about your medical history, including conditions you may have now and how you’re treating or managing them. Lupus can be tricky to diagnose because it can affect so many parts of your body and cause lots of different symptoms. Even small changes or issues that seem unusual for you can be a key. Don’t be afraid to tell your provider about anything you’ve felt or sensed — you know your body better than anyone.
What is lupus treatment?
Your healthcare provider will suggest treatments for lupus that manage your symptoms. The goal is minimizing damage to your organs and how much lupus affects your day-to-day life. Most people with lupus need a combination of medications to help them prevent flare-ups and lessen their symptom severity during one. You might need: Hydroxychloroquine: Hydroxychloroquine is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that can relieve lupus symptoms and slow down how they progress (change or get worse). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Your provider will tell you which type of NSAID will work best for you, and how often you should take it. Don’t take NSAIDs for more than 10 days in a row without talking to your provider. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are prescription medications that reduce inflammation. Prednisone is a common corticosteroid providers use to manage lupus. Your provider might prescribe you pills you take by mouth or inject a corticosteroid directly into one of your joints. Immunosuppressants: Immunosuppressants are medications that hold back your immune system and stop it from being as active. They can help prevent tissue damage and inflammation. You might need other medications or treatments to manage specific lupus symptoms you have or other health conditions it’s causing. For example, you may need treatment for anemia, high blood pressure (hypertension) or osteoporosis if lupus causes those issues. Care at Cleveland Clinic Lupus Treatment Find a Doctor and Specialists Make an Appointment Advertisement
Can I prevent lupus?
You can’t prevent lupus because experts aren’t sure what causes it. Talk to a healthcare provider about your risk if one of your biological parents has lupus.
How can I prevent lupus flare-ups?
You might be able to prevent and reduce lupus flare-ups by avoiding activities that trigger your symptoms, including: Avoiding sun exposure: Spending too much time in the sun can trigger lupus symptoms in some people. Try to avoid going outside when the sun is brightest (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Wear long sleeves, a hat or sun-protective clothing. Use a sunscreen that’s at least SPF 50. Staying active: Joint pain can make it hard or painful to move. But moving and gently using your joints can be the best way to relieve symptoms like pain and stiffness. Walking, biking, swimming, yoga and tai chi are all great ways to move your body without putting too much stress on your joints. Ask your healthcare provider which types of activities are safest for you. Getting enough sleep and protecting your mental health: Living with lupus can be frustrating. Getting the right amount of sleep (seven to nine hours for adults) and reducing your stress can help prevent flare-ups for some people. A psychologist or other mental health professional can help you develop healthy coping mechanisms.
What can I expect if I have lupus?
Lupus is a lifelong (chronic) condition. You should expect to manage lupus symptoms for the rest of your life. Lupus can be unpredictable, and the way it impacts you can change over time. You’ll need to regularly visit your healthcare provider so they can track changes in your symptoms. You’ll probably work with a team of providers as you learn to live with lupus. Your primary care provider will suggest specialists who can help with specific issues or symptoms. You’ll probably need to visit a rheumatologist — a healthcare provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases. Which specialists you need to visit depends on which symptoms you have and how they affect your body.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
Visit a healthcare provider as soon as you notice any new or changing symptoms. Even small shifts in what you’re feeling and experiencing can be important. Talk to your provider if it feels like your treatments aren’t managing lupus symptoms as well as they used to. Tell your provider if you’re having flare-ups more often — or if the flare-ups cause more severe symptoms. They’ll help you adjust your treatments as needed. Go to the emergency room or call 911 (or your local emergency services number) if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms: You can’t breathe. You’re in severe pain. You think you’re experiencing heart attack symptoms.
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?
Do I have lupus or another autoimmune disease? Which medications will I need? How often should I see you for follow-up appointments? Will I need to visit other specialists? Can you suggest any support groups or other mental health resources? A note from Cleveland Clinic Lupus can be a frustrating, tiring condition. Pain, inflammation and irritation throughout your body can be exhausting. But don’t forget to appreciate yourself. Living with a chronic condition is hard work, and you deserve credit for managing your symptoms every day. Ask your provider about mental health resources and support groups if you think talking to someone about how you’re feeling could help you. Don’t be afraid to talk to your provider and ask questions. Even small changes in your symptoms or health can be a sign that lupus is affecting you differently. Remember, you’re the best judge of when something isn’t quite right in your body. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/06/2023. Learn more about our editorial process.
Oct 21, 2022 · Some people are born with a tendency toward developing lupus, which may be triggered by infections, certain drugs or even sunlight. While there's no cure for lupus, treatments can help control symptoms.
Sep 13, 2023 · What Is Lupus Treatment? Lupus treatment is the best way to manage your symptoms, feel better, and keep the disease from getting worse. Treatment for lupus -- also known as systemic lupus...
Learn how doctors diagnose and treat lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and cause symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and rash. Find out about medications, alternative therapies, and tips for living with lupus.
