The Woodlands TX lupus specialist you need is at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. Dr. Brionez is a highly skilled and experienced rheumatologist. She has diagnosed and treated rheumatologic conditions for more than 10 years. During that time, she has helped patients overcome the discomfort that lupus and other autoimmune diseases cause.

Dr. Brionez first obtained her degree in Science in Nutritional Sciences from Texas A&M University. Once she graduated, she secured her Doctor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Next, she completed a Fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Not long after, Dr. Brionez became board-certified in internal medicine and then a board-certified rheumatologist.

Her experience and skill in diagnosing and treating rheumatologic conditions are profound. She has helped many find comfort in the chronic diseases they have developed. Lupus is just one illness she can help patients overcome. Others include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.

Lupus is an important disease to recognize so that patients can live comfortable lives moving forward. Dr. Brionez will help patients identify this disease and overcome their symptoms. Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is dedicated to treating those who suffer from rheumatologic conditions. Many of these illnesses can overwhelm a person’s life. We are here to help.

What is Lupus?

The full name for lupus is systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus is a chronic condition that is capable of affecting several parts of the body. Often times, lupus causes inflammation in joints, skin, and organs. Lupus varies in seriousness but can be very dangerous if left untreated. One reason lupus is so dangerous is because of the organs it can attack. The brain, kidneys, heart, and lungs are just a few examples.

Lupus is what is known as an autoimmune disease. This means the immune system attacks healthy tissue because it identifies it as a threat to the body. Normally, an immune system will attack infected tissues or bacteria in the body. Autoimmune diseases attack healthy tissues and cause inflammation in those areas. That said, the cause of lupus is unknown.

However, recent developments in treatment and identification have helped those suffering from the disease. The demographic that is most affected by this condition is children and teens. In fact, 20 percent of lupus patients are teens and children. Young women in puberty are more affected by lupus than other teen and children demographics.

Below, you can see a list of common symptoms of lupus.

• Pain swelling in joints
• Headaches
• Swelling in hands, feet, and legs
• Hair loss
• Anemia
• Mouth or nose sores
• Chest pains while breathing deeply

Diagnosing and Treating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

In general, lupus is hard to identify because it has symptoms that are very similar to other autoimmune diseases. These symptoms are also associated with other diseases that may be the cause. So, a series of blood tests are used to identify the illness. If Dr. Brionez believes you may have lupus, then she will run a few blood tests.

The most crucial blood test that will be run is ANA (antinuclear antibodies). These antibodies are present in almost all lupus patients and will appear in this blood test. However, if the test is positive, you may have lupus. More specific tests will be run in order to identify the types of antibodies, which will accurately determine the illness.

If you have been diagnosed with lupus, then the next step will be to suppress the immune system as much as possible. There is no cure for lupus, so patients will need to learn to live with the disease. Fortunately, there are medications that can reduce symptoms. A recent FDA approved biologic has helped patients with mild forms of the disease. The right choice of medication will be up to Dr. Brionez.

Lupus’ Health Impact

Lupus may affect parts of your body, but it can also increase your chances of heart disease and kidney disease. This disease has the capability of blood clotting in the arteries, which is why heart disease is greater. There are ways of reducing such dangers, though. Patients can exercise, eat healthily, quit smoking in order to reduce their chances of heart disease. Be sure to watch out for possible kidney disease by seeking the following symptoms.

• High blood pressure
• Swollen feet and hands
• Puffy eyes
• Changes in urination (frequency, blood presence, pain)

SLE-BRAVE

If you have lupus, then you may qualify for a research study known as SLE-BRAVE. This research study is testing the use of investigational drug and lupus therapy together to see if it is effective. This research study would help current, and future patients of lupus live their lives as normal as possible. The SLE-BRAVE research study is searching for participants, and Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is participating.

If you have lupus, then you may be able to take part in this research study. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements.

• At least 18 years old
• Willing and capable of giving consent
• Capable of visiting a study doctor
• Currently have and medicating for lupus

The criteria may make you eligible for the study, but there is a number of criteria that may disqualify you. Visit our lupus research study page in order to learn more. Participants may also be subjected to free medication, clinic visits, and travel stipends. If you want to help others with lupus, then this is a great opportunity.

The Woodlands TX Lupus Specialist

Dr. Brionez is The Woodlands TX lupus specialist you need. She will diagnose and treat your lupus, using state-of-the-art technology and trusted medication. If you believe you are suffering from lupus, then give Advanced Rheumatology of Houston a call today. You can reach our clinic by calling (281) 766-7886.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Brionez so you can start living a more comfortable life. There is no reason you have to keep suffering from lupus symptoms. You can find more information about lupus on our website. Plus, you can ask our team about the SLE-BRAVE research study. We would be happy to help you find out if you qualify. So, make Dr. Brionez The Woodlands TX lupus specialist you need.

 

Fun Facts about The Woodlands

• There are almost 150 parks in The Woodlands area!
• Go see a concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion!
• The Woodlands area is called “The Invisible City.”
• Find more fun facts about The Woodlands here.