If you are searching for The Woodlands TX lupus doctors near me, then you have come to the right place. Advanced Rheumatology has everything you need to help combat lupus. When dealing with lupus, it can seem like an uphill battle. Between flare-ups and the struggle to get a diagnosis, you wonder if you will ever see treatment.

At Advanced Rheumatology of Houston, Dr. Brionez will help you to get the proper diagnosis and treatment. She works tirelessly to make sure her patients can live happy and healthy lives.

Lupus affects mostly women and can make a massive impact on their lives. The name lupus is short for systemic lupus erythematosus, which also has goes by SLE. This disease is an autoimmune disease that causes systemic inflammation of joints and organs. In its most severe form, it can affect healthy tissues in the heart, brain, lungs, and kidneys.

Lupus flare-ups can range from mild to severe, depending on the symptoms. The cause of lupus is unknown, but there is treatment that allows those with lupus to live comfortable lives. With the latest advancements, treatment can increase lifespan and improve quality of life.

About twenty percent of patients with lupus are children and teens. The rarest form of lupus is called childhood-onset SLE, which affects children before the age of five.

Lupus can come in many forms and with a variety of symptoms. This is why it is crucial to have the aid of a The Woodlands TX lupus doctors near me. They will be able to diagnose you and get the treatment you need to keep it under control.

Here’s some information on the symptoms and treatments of lupus.

The Symptoms and Signs of Lupus

Lupus comes in many forms and has multiple symptoms that come with it. Because of the variety of symptoms, it can be tricky to diagnose. Especially because some of the symptoms are shared with other diseases. Some of the symptoms of lupus can include:

• fatigue
• weight loss
• heartburn
• stomach pain
• hair loss
• blood clots
• fever
• poor circulation in fingers and toes

Lupus can flare-up because of sun exposure, puberty, or even pregnancy. It has also been known to cause problems with pregnancy, one of them being miscarriages. If you are struggling with lupus and would like to have a baby, know that it isn’t impossible. To have a baby while living with lupus, you will have to consult your doctor. The trick is to time your pregnancy with your remission, or when the disease is at its lowest point. A doctor can help you with this between treatment and symptom control.

While the symptoms of lupus can vary depending on the person, there is a list of symptoms that are used to diagnose those with lupus. The American College of Rheumatology created the list, and doctors currently use it as a guide for diagnosis. Here are some of the symptoms:

Rashes

There are a few different types of rashes that can appear because of lupus. These rashes are malar rashes, discoid rashes, and rashes from sun exposure. Malar rashes are butterfly-shaped rashes on the cheeks. Discoid rashes are red raised oval or round patches. Rashes from sun exposure will often be found on exposed skin after being out in the sun.

Mouth Sores

These can be in the nose or mouth and will last between a few days to an entire month.

Arthritis

Arthritis is known as a disease of the joint. It can cause pain and swelling in two or more joints, which can last for a few weeks. There are many types of arthritis. There’s rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. A rheumatologist can diagnose and treat arthritis, whether it is from lupus or something else.

Lung or Heart Inflammation

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

Kidney Problems

Kidney problems are often noticed by tests that show poor kidney function. Another way to tell is when there is blood or protein in the urine.

Neurologic Problems

This can be strokes, seizures, or psychosis, which is a mental health issue.

Abnormal Blood Tests

Abnormalities such as anemia, low platelets, or low white blood cell counts can be a giveaway. However, nearly all lupus patients have positive antinuclear antibodies. These antibodies cause the immune system to attack itself, which is a sure sign of an autoimmune disease. There are other antibodies that lupus patients can have, which are anti-double-strand DNA, antiphospholipid antibodies, and anti-Smith.

With lupus, there are often moments where the disease is active, and these moments are followed by times where the disease is inactive—or also known as remission. Since symptoms don’t show all at once, it can be challenging to diagnose. However, the best way to diagnose it is through blood tests, specifically an ANA.

Finding The Best Treatment

Since lupus is a chronic disease, there is no known cure. However, this doesn’t stop patients with lupus from living normal happy lives. The advancements in treatment have given patients the ability to live longer and have a better quality of life. The main goal of lupus treatment is to prevent permanent organ damage through keeping lupus in remission.

Currently, there are many medications used to treat lupus. Some of these medications are:

• Corticosteroids and immune suppressants
• Plaquenil
• Benlysta
• NSAIDs

When talking with your doctor, they will take into consideration your symptoms and medical history. All medications have side effects and benefits. Your doctor will create a treatment plan that will lower side effects while maintaining control over lupus. This is why it is important to choose the best The Woodlands TX doctor who treat lupus.

Living With Lupus

It can be scary to realize you have a chronic illness. Lupus can be unpredictable, and flare-ups are common. However, treatment is effective and will help limit the symptoms of lupus.

To help you manage lupus, it is important to have a reliable support system of doctors, family, and friends. While lupus may seem like an all-encompassing disease, treatment will give you the life you have been dreaming of.

The Best The Woodlands TX Lupus Doctors Near Me

To set up an appointment with Dr. Brionez call (281) 766-7886. You can also learn more about Advanced Rheumatology of Houston by checking out their services or going to visit their location. Allow Advanced Rheumatology of Houston to be your The Woodlands TX lupus doctors near me.

 

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