If you are searching Conroe TX lupus specialist then chances are this is a challenging time for you. Either you just found out you have lupus or you believe that you could be struggling with it.

Either way, Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is here to help. They understand the ins and out of lupus and can help you get to where you want to be.

Lupus is a common name for systemic lupus erythematosus which is an autoimmune disease that causes systemic inflammation that affects multiple organs. This disease begins in women usually at the start of puberty and if left untreated can impact their lives in a big way.

This autoimmune disorder can attack the joints and healthy tissues in the heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys. The more severe forms of lupus affect the vital organs while more mild forms can affect joints and other parts of the body.

The cause of lupus is unknown however, doctors have improved the treatment of lupus. Treatments have become more effective in improving quality of life and in increasing a person’s lifespan.

Twenty percent of those who have lupus are children and teens. Rarer forms of lupus occur in children before the age of five. This form of lupus is known as childhood-onset SLE.

There are many symptoms and signs of lupus. If you think that you may have it then you should consult a Conroe TX lupus specialist.

Know The Symptoms

Because lupus varies from person to person it can be hard to diagnose. Often those with lupus will have symptoms that aren’t specific to lupus. These symptoms can include:

• fever
• fatigue
• weight loss
• heartburn
• stomach pain
• blood clots
• hair loss
• poor circulation in the extremities

Lupus often flares up during pregnancy and can cause complications or even miscarriages. While the symptoms of lupus can vary, The American College of Rheumatology has a list of signs that doctors use as a guide.

Rashes

When you have rashes from lupus they can show up as a butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks. This rash is also known as a malar rash. Other rashes from lupus can show up as a red rash with raised round/oval patches, known as a discoid rash. Or after sun exposure a rash will appear on exposed skin.

Mouth Sores

Sores can be in the mouth or the nose and last anywhere from a few days to a whole month.

 Arthritis

This is known as swelling in two or more joints which lasts for a few weeks.

Lung or Heart Inflammation

You would notice this if you feel chest pain when breathing deeply. This is caused by inflammation of the lung or heart. Which is also known as pleurisy or pleuritis (lung inflammation) or pericarditis (heart inflammation).

Kidney Problems

Signs of kidney problems can be seen when there is blood or protein in the urine. Another way to tell is when tests show poor kidney function.

Neurologic Problems

A neurologic problem can be seizures, strokes, or psychosis (which is a mental health problem).

Abnormal Blood Tests

Abnormal blood tests can be anemia, low platelets, or low white blood cell counts. Another abnormal blood test is positive antinuclear antibodies. These antibodies cause the immune system to attack itself and are present in nearly all lupus patients. Other abnormalities in blood tests include anti-double-strand DNA, anti-Smith, and antiphospholipid antibodies.

When a patient deals with flare-ups from lupus it can range from mild to severe. They will often have moments where the disease is active followed by times where the disease is quiet or in remission.

Lupus is difficult to diagnose because of its variety in symptoms and how they don’t show immediately. Blood tests are the most common way to diagnose lupus and the most important one is an ANA.

Finding A Treatment

Because lupus is a chronic disease there is no cure for it at this time. Although it is chronic, there are medical treatments that allow those with lupus to live normal lives. These treatments can increase lifespan and improve the quality of life. With lupus treatments, the goal is to keep lupus in remission to prevent permanent organ damage.

There are currently many medications that help put lupus into remission. These medications include:

• Benlysta
• Plaquenil
• NSAIDs (pain relievers)
• Corticosteroids and immune suppressants

Discuss with your doctor what will work best for you and your symptoms. With all medication, there will be risks and benefits. With the help of a doctor, you can limit the side effects while also providing the benefit of controlling lupus.

Life With Lupus

Having a chronic illness can be scary. Especially one that is as unpredictable as lupus. However, those who have lupus have been able to live perfectly healthy and normal lives.

They now are also living longer lives. Part of coping with lupus is having a reliable support system of doctors, friends, and family.

To help you through the symptoms and to better manage lupus it is important to learn about the disease. Learning about lupus and the treatments will help you to know what kind of progress to expect.

Make sure to follow everything that the doctor has prescribed. You will also be expected to visit often to make sure everything progresses as expected. By going to a Conroe TX lupus specialist they will be able to track your disease and adjust treatment as needed.

Another important thing is to remain active and exercise often. This will keep your joints flexible and help prevent heart disease and stroke.

Sun protection is a must when it comes to lupus. Lupus can flare up when you are exposed to sunlight. So, make sure on sunny days to wear sunscreen and protective clothing.

Pregnancy with lupus is possible but will require planning. Consult your doctor to time your pregnancy with your remission. Then avoid medications that could harm the baby.

The Best Conroe TX lupus specialist

Coping with lupus can be a challenge. While going through this difficult time it is important to have a doctor that can help you through it. Advanced Rheumatology of Houston understands lupus and can give you the help you need to live a good life.

They can provide medical advice that will aid you in your progress. Set up an appointment by giving Dr. Brionez a call at (281) 766-7886. Or take a look at their services and visit their location. Allow them to be your Conroe TX lupus specialist.

 

Conroe TX Fun Facts

• Was first settled in the 1800s
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• In 1920 the first city hall was established
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