Red Flags to Be Aware Of
Lupus is a disease where the body’s immune system, which protects us from germs, starts attacking its own tissues. This can cause many different problems in the body. To help, there is LUPKYNIS (voclosporin), a medication used to treat lupus nephritis, a complication of lupus, an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.
Signs of Lupus
Lupus can affect people in different ways, and its signs can be very different from person to person. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
Fatigue
Many people with lupus feel very tired, even after a good night’s sleep. This tiredness can make it hard to do everyday activities.
Joint Pain
Lupus can cause pain and swelling in the joints, like the knees, wrists and fingers. This might make it hard to move around or do normal tasks.
Skin Rash
A common sign of lupus is a rash on the face that looks like a butterfly. It can also show up as red or purple spots on other parts of the body.
Fever
People with lupus might have a fever for no clear reason. It’s a sign that something might be wrong inside the body.
Hair Loss
Lupus can cause hair to fall out. This might be more noticeable when brushing or washing hair.
Sun Sensitivity
Some people with lupus have skin that gets irritated or rashy when exposed to sunlight. It’s important to protect the skin from the sun if this happens.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are small glands in the body that help fight infections. In lupus, these can become swollen, making you feel like you have a lump in your neck or under your arms.
Mouth Sores
Sores or ulcers can appear in the mouth and on the inside of the nose. They can be painful and make eating or talking uncomfortable.
Chest Pain
Lupus can sometimes affect the lining around the heart and lungs, causing chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Kidney Problems
Lupus can damage the kidneys, leading to swelling in the legs or around the eyes, and changes in urine color.
Treatments for Lupus
While there is no cure for lupus, there are ways to manage the symptoms and help people feel better. Here are some common treatments:
Medications
Doctors often prescribe medications to help control lupus symptoms. These can include:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: These help with joint pain and swelling. Examples are ibuprofen and naproxen.
- Antimalarial drugs: These can help with skin rashes and fatigue. An example is hydroxychloroquine.
- Corticosteroids: These reduce inflammation quickly but are usually used for short periods because they can have side effects.
- Immunosuppressants: These drugs help calm the immune system to prevent it from attacking the body. Examples include azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil.
- LUPKYNIS: LUPKYNIS (voclosporin) is a medication used to treat a type of kidney disease called lupus nephritis. Lupus nephritis is a complication of lupus, an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.
Lifestyle Changes
People with lupus can also benefit from making healthy lifestyle choices:
- Healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help manage symptoms and keep the body strong.
- Regular exercise: Gentle exercises like walking or swimming can help with joint pain and fatigue.
- Sun protection: Using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing can help prevent skin rashes from getting worse.
- Stress management: Finding ways to relax and reduce stress can help keep lupus symptoms under control. Activities like yoga, meditation, or hobbies can be helpful.
Regular Check-Ups
Seeing a doctor regularly is important to monitor the disease and adjust treatments as needed. Blood tests and other exams can help keep track of how well the treatment is working and if any changes are needed.
Support Groups
Connecting with other people with lupus can provide emotional support and helpful tips for managing the disease. Talking about your feelings and sharing experiences with others who understand is important.
Understanding Lupus
Lupus can cause many different symptoms and affect people in various ways. Recognizing the signs of lupus, such as fatigue, joint pain and skin rashes, is the first step in getting the right treatment. With medications, lifestyle changes and regular check-ups, people with lupus can manage their symptoms and live healthier lives. If you think you might have lupus, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider who can help you find the best way to manage the disease.
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