A Closer Look at Lupus

The immune system is programmed to help your body fight off diseases. But when the immune system begins doing the opposite, it can lead to a condition known as lupus. Over 90% of people diagnosed with this condition are women between the ages of 15 and 45. The worst part is that lupus is a chronic disease that can affect your body and your life quality. If you are battling Lupus in Tampa, there is the hope of living a long and healthy life when you see your specialist at Osteoporosis and Rheumatology Center of Tampa Bay.

How lupus can affect Your Body

Having lupus makes the demands of everyday life challenging. Performing simple tasks such as lifting objects or walking become a chore. Naturally, when lupus is active, your joints may become stiff and fatigued.  Since lupus mimics symptoms of other ailments, it may be difficult to diagnose it from the onset. While there is no known treatment for lupus, learning how to cope with the disease after seeing a specialist is essential.

Lupus flares

When you have lupus, your symptoms may worsen, causing your body to feel sick. This condition is called a flare. They come and go depending on how you respond to your meds. In other cases, flares may occur for no reason and only lab tests can determine the triggers.

How to detect lupus flaring up

Now that you have been diagnosed with lupus, it is easy to know when the flares will come. To prevent them from appearing or making them less severe, you will need to seek treatment immediately. Watch out for symptoms such as fatigue, pain, rash, fever, migraines, or dizziness. Since you are not in a position to determine the severity of lupus, calling your doctor or nurse is the only bet you have at getting a customized medicine or treatment plan.

The most common things that can trigger lupus flares include overworking, stress, injury, infection, or prolonged exposure to fluorescent or halogen light. While taking your meds may help alleviate the symptoms, you may find some things that trigger a flare. For example, the symptoms may still show when you stay out in the sun or after a hard day at work, even if you are on medications. Avoid the triggers as much as you can.

How to cope with lupus

The thought of having to live with lupus for the rest of your life is enough to cause much stress to your life. The worst part is that it can affect your work productivity and the relationships you have with your family. Seeking your doctor’s assistance and letting others know about your symptoms and feelings is the best way to cope with the disease. Alternatively, you can seek counseling or join a support group to find out how others are coping with it.

If you or someone you love have symptoms of lupus that have no clear cause, book an appointment online to get more details on how you can be assisted.

Jennifer Eonflux