If you are searching “Spring TX lupus doctor near me,” then contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. Lupus is a type of rheumatologic disease, which can be serious in some cases. Doctors who diagnose and treat these conditions are known as rheumatologists. Rheumatologic diseases affect connecting tissues in the body, such as joints, muscles, organs, and ligaments.

That said, these diseases can be very serious if they are left untreated. Medical treatments for many of these diseases have advanced significantly in recent years. A rheumatologist will diagnose and treat the condition for patients. Of course, this process is easier said than done. Most rheumatologic conditions share similar symptoms, so they can be difficult to identify.

However, Dr. Brionez, the rheumatologist at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston, can run the right tests in order to identify the right condition. She is capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of rheumatologic conditions. Her clinic covers several types of arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, myositis, scleroderma, and so much more.

If you have lupus, then you need the right kind of rheumatologist. Dr. Brionez highly-recommends you schedule a meeting with her and her team. They will work closely with patients to making living with lupus and other conditions easier. Lupus and other conditions are not easy to handle. So, let us help you live a more comfortable life.

Below, you can find the full list of conditions Advanced Rheumatology of Houston can diagnose and treat.

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Lupus
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Spondyloarthritis
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Myositis
• Vasculitis
• Osteoporosis
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Scleroderma

What Lupus Is

Systemic lupus erythematosus or simply lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin, organs, and joints. An autoimmune disease is when the immune system starts attacking healthy tissue in the body. Normally, the immune system will attack infection and foreign pathogens in the body. In lupus, the immune system will attack parts of the body that can cause severe issues.

Organs that may be affected included the kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. These areas of the body may show signs of symptoms that could be severe or may falsely represent another disease. Lupus raises the risk of kidney and heart disease in many patients. A common symptom of lupus is blood clots, which leads to possible heart diseases.

Overall, lupus can be a severe disease. The cause of the condition is unknown. Lupus appears in children and teens more often than other demographics. In fact, 20% of lupus patients are teenagers or children. Moreover, females going through puberty are more affected by this disease. It is rare for a child under the age of 5 to develop lupus.

Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus ranges in several levels of severity. More severe cases affect the brain and kidneys. The diversity of lupus is significant in that every case needs to be handled differently. Not two cases of lupus are the same, and Dr. Brionez will handle them appropriately. That said, it is difficult to identify lupus. As stated prior, lupus has several symptoms similar to other diseases. Weight loss, fever, and fatigue are just a few examples.

Below, you can find a list of symptoms associated with lupus.

• Blood clots
• Hair loss
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain
• Cold toes and fingers due to poor circulation
• Rashes
• Mouth and nose sores
• Arthritis or soreness in joints
• Chest pains from deep breathing
• Kidney problems
• Neurologic problems (seizures, strokes)

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, then you should see a rheumatologist. Dr. Brionez will run the necessary tests to determine the cause of the symptoms.

There is one test that is the most important when it comes to lupus: ANA test. The ANA test detects antinuclear antibodies. These antibodies are what cause the attack on healthy tissues. So, if antinuclear antibodies are found, then Dr. Brionez will diagnose with lupus. She may even run further tests to determine more specifics. If there are no antibodies present, then she will help patients find what is causing the symptoms.

Treating and Living with Lupus

Lupus has no cure. However, lupus’ symptoms are very manageable through medication and lifestyle changes. Medication can help reduce flares from the immune system and decrease its severity. Furthermore, drugs can reduce symptoms like rashes, mouth sores, and fatigue. It is important to see your rheumatologist frequently so they can assess the effectiveness of the drugs and adjust accordingly.

Most patients end up living normal and comfortable lives with lupus. The disease may require some lifestyle changes, however. Patients are encouraged to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. These actions will help prevent the development of heart disease. Exercise also helps adjust to arthritis that may develop from lupus.

Finally, patients should avoid long periods of sun exposure. Sunlight can lead to flare-ups in the rash and the disease as a whole. Be sure to wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible and wear sunscreen when you have less clothing on. Use this medical advice to live a comfortable and healthy life.

Participate in a Lupus Research Study

Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is participating in the SLE-BRAVE research study for lupus. The study is testing an investigational drug alongside lupus therapy. The objective is to find a new treatment method for current and future lupus patients. If you have lupus, you may qualify to participate in this research study. Visit the lupus research study page on our website to find additional details about it.

Spring TX Lupus Doctor Near Me

If you are searching for a lupus doctor, then Dr. Brionez is the right choice for you. She is a trusted and highly-skilled rheumatologist in the Greater Houston area. Give Advanced Rheumatology of Houston a call at (281) 766-7886. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Brionez, so she can help you live a comfortable and healthy life.

Additionally, ask us about the research study, SLE-BRAVE. It can help a lot of current lupus patients to find comfort. There are a lot of medications and treatment options that are not effective for some lupus patients, so this research study will help develop more options. Stop searching “Spring TX lupus doctor near me” and start calling!

 

Fun Facts about Spring

• Spring, TX is home to Collins Park, a 55-acres creekside outdoor recreational area.
• The city hosts family-friendly events and festivals throughout the year.
• Old Town Spring downtown area holds over 150 restaurants, galleries, and other attractions.
• Find more fun facts about Spring here.