Houston TX Lupus Doctor Near Me

Houston TX lupus doctor near me

Houston TX lupus doctor near me

If you are searching for a Houston TX lupus doctor near me, then you have come to the right place. Advanced Rheumatology of Houston has what you need to get on your feet and live the life you want.

The symptoms of lupus can take a toll on someone’s life. Finding a compassionate doctor that understands this can be tricky. However, Dr. Brionez is fantastic when it comes to caring about her patients. Not only can she provide treatment that her patients need, but she works with them to improve their health and quality of life.

Internal medicine has come a long way when it comes to providing treatment for lupus. The advancements in treatment now help patients with lupus live longer, more fulfilling lives.

The full name for lupus is systemic lupus erythematosus. It is an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs by causing systemic inflammation. This disease is mostly found in women and can begin around puberty or pregnancy. If left untreated, it can largely affect a person’s life.

We still don’t know the cause of lupus but have worked on improving treatment over the years. Those who have lupus are known to live normal healthy lives. They have become more effective at enhancing the quality of life and increasing lifespan. Lupus is also known to start young. About twenty percent of people with lupus developed it in their teens. There is a rarer form of lupus that appears in children before the age of five. This form is known as childhood-onset SLE.

This autoimmune disorder attacks the healthy tissues and joints of the body—more severe forms of lupus attack the tissues in the heart, brain, lungs, and kidneys. There are many signs of lupus. Consult a Houston TX lupus doctor near me to learn more.

Symptoms and Signs of Lupus

The signs and symptoms of lupus vary from person to person, making it tricky to diagnose. Many patients with lupus deal with symptoms that aren’t specific to the disease. Some of these signs can include:

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

Lupus is known for its flare-ups and often flares up during pregnancy. When this happens, it can cause complications and miscarriages. Flare-ups can also happen from sunlight and puberty. While the symptoms seem to be sporadic, The American College of Rheumatology has come up with a list of symptoms for doctors to use as a guide. Here are some of the signs and symptoms doctors will look for:

Rashes

There are multiple different types of rashes you can get from lupus. There’s a malar rash that appears as a butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks. You could also get a discoid rash which shows up as red, raised oval or round patches. You can also get a rash from sun exposure if you went outside with any exposed skin.

Mouth Sores

These sores can be in the nose or mouth and will last a few days. Sometimes as long as a month.

Arthritis

This is tenderness and swelling in two or more joints that lasts for a few weeks.

Lung or Heart Inflammation

Inflammation of the heart is known as pericarditis, while inflammation of the lungs is known as pleurisy or pleuritis. This can cause chest pain when you breathe deeply.

Kidney Problems

Signs of kidney problems can be found in tests that show poor kidney function as well as finding blood or protein in the urine.

Neurologic Problems

These problems are shown through seizures, strokes, and psychosis, which is also known as a mental illness.

Abnormal Blood Tests

Anemia, low platelets, or low white blood cell counts are all signs of abnormal blood tests. Some blood tests will also show positive antinuclear antibodies. These antibodies are found in nearly all lupus patients and cause the immune system to attack itself. Other abnormalities include tests showing anti-Smith, anti-double-strand DNA, and antiphospholipid antibodies.

Houston TX lupus doctor near me

Talk to the doctors who can help you get back to enjoying your life.

Flare-ups from lupus can range from mild to severe. You may also experience times when the disease is active and then times where the disease is quiet or in remission. Since lupus can be hard to diagnose the most common way to catch it is through blood tests. The most important blood test is ANA. For the best diagnosis finding a Houston TX lupus doctor near me is the best way to go.

Finding The Right Treatment

Lupus is known as a chronic illness, which means there is no cure for it. However, treatment does allow people to cope with it and live normal, fulfilling lives. These treatments can increase lifespan and improve the overall quality of life of a patient.

Treatment aims to keep lupus in remission and prevent permanent organ damage. There are currently many medications that help keep lupus in remission. These medications are:

  • Corticosteroids and immune suppressants
  • Plaquenil
  • NSAIDs
  • Benlysta

The type of treatment used will depend on your medical history and symptoms. All medications come with risks and benefits. With a doctor’s help, they will find a treatment that will limit side effects while providing the necessary relief.

Living A Life With Lupus

Living with a chronic illness can be frightening. However, through treatment, you can rest assured that life will return to normal. It is essential to create a strong support group of doctors, family, and friends to help you cope with this unpredictable illness.

Houston TX lupus doctor near me

Know that you don’t have to face this alone. Some people can help.

Another way to better cope with lupus is to study the disease and its treatments. That way, you will be familiar with what is happening and what progress to expect. Follow the prescriptions the doctor has given you and remember to visit them often. By visiting regularly, your doctor will have an easier time tracking your condition and can adjust your treatment when needed.

While lupus may cause you to avoid exercising, it is essential to remain active. Exercise will keep joints flexible and help prevent stroke and heart disease. You will also have to avoid sun exposure by wearing protective clothing and plenty of sunscreen.

Even though it can be challenging, you can still get pregnant with lupus. If you wish to have a baby but are dealing with lupus, talk to your doctor. They will work with you to time your pregnancy with the remission of lupus after that avoid any medications that could harm the baby.

The Best Houston TX lupus doctor near me

To get started on treatment today, set up an appointment with Dr. Brionez by calling (281) 766-7886. Or you can check out their other services or visit their location. Choose Advanced Rheumatology of Houston to be your Houston TX lupus doctor near me.

 

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