Are you looking for The Woodlands TX Rheumatologist Lupus Specialist? Advanced Rheumatology in Houston has treated countless patients suffering from lupus. Don’t wait for the symptoms to clear as this can lead to worse conditions and irreversible damage.

Our The Woodlands TX Rheumatologist Lupus Specialist dedicate their time and efforts to treating patients with rheumatologic conditions. We have the equipment and ability to diagnose and treat these types of conditions. Furthermore, our clinic has several research studies that patients can take part in. These research studies are great as they help improve treatment options for these severe illnesses.

What is Lupus?

Systematic lupus erythematosus, or commonly referred to as lupus, is a chronic disease that affects several parts of the body. Additionally, lupus can cause inflammation in areas like the skin, joints, and organs. Moreover, lupus varies in how it affects different people. Flares are a common occurrence and will vary case by case. Furthermore, when the disease is minimally active, it is known as remission.

Lupus can affect organs like kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. Some common symptoms are weight loss, fever, and fatigue. Other things to keep in mind are that there are many other signs to look out for. Here’s a full list of lupus symptoms:

• Pain and swelling in joints
• Headaches
• Swelling in areas such as the feet, legs, and hands
• Pain in the chest areas when breathing deeply
• Hair loss
• Cold causing fingers to turn blue or white
• Anemia
• Mouth or nose sores

Advancements in treatments make patient’s lives easier to manage while allowing them to live longer. However, the exact cause for lupus remains unknown. As an autoimmune disease, lupus causes the body’s own immune system to attack healthy tissues.

With lupus, the immune system as a whole takes part in the attack on healthy tissue. For that reason, lupus is considered a very serious condition, with severe levels of inflammation possible.

About Our The Woodlands TX Rheumatologist Lupus Specialist

With various types of symptoms, lupus can be very difficult to diagnose. A great way of diagnosing this disease is through blood tests. Moreover, there are specific blood tests that are more important than others, with ASA being one of them.

Our very own Dr. Brionez has over ten years in the field and has spent the time working with many patients suffering from lupus. She attended Texas A&M University for her undergraduate studies, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from Texas A&M University. Afterward, she secured her Doctor of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine.

Dr. Brionez then went on to complete her fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center. In 2007, she became board-certified in internal disease, and in 2009, she became board-certified in rheumatology. Dr. Brionez has spent her time since in the field working on various types of rheumatology illnesses.

Diagnosing Lupus

As mentioned before, one of the more effective ways of diagnosing lupus is through blood tests. When diagnosed, you should know that there are several methods of alleviating symptoms in order to live a comfortable life. Lupus is a chronic disease, meaning that there is no cure for it.

Most of the lupus cases can be treated and controlled through medication. To add to that, recent advancements in the medical field make living with lupus way more comfortable and manageable than in years past. Lupus may be a severe disease, but it doesn’t mean you can’t live a normal life.

Symptoms

Lupus can affect several organs, and as such, has a wide range of signs and symptoms. Lupus symptoms come and go, and there may be several symptoms that may appear at different times. Here are some common symptoms that those with lupus may notice during the timespan of the disease.

• Extreme fatigue (tiredness)
• Headaches
• Painful or swollen joints
• Fever
• Anemia
• Swelling in feet, legs, hands, and/or around eyes
• Pain in chest on deep breathing
• A butterfly-shaped rash across cheeks and nose
• Sun or light-sensitivity
• Hair loss
• Abnormal blood clotting
• Fingers turning white and/or blue when cold
• Mouth or nose ulcers

Many of these symptoms occur in other illnesses. In fact, lupus is sometimes called “the great imitator” because its symptoms can be very similar to rheumatoid arthritis, blood disorders, fibromyalgia, diabetes, thyroid problems, Lyme disease, and several heart, lung, muscle, and bone diseases.

Remember, you can be a big part of diagnosing the disease by listening to your body, asking questions, and staying involved.

Treatment

Keep in mind that treating lupus is a lifelong process. It requires constant planning and communication. As of now, there’s no cure for lupus, but there’s a lot you can do to control the condition and improve your overall quality of life. A great way of increasing your chances of leaving a comfortable life is by staying as informed as possible. The more you know, the more you’ll be able to assist your care team in finding the right treatment plan for you.

With its unpredictable nature, lupus can seem overwhelming at times, especially when you’re navigating the maze-like health care system. However, it is important to know how to self-advocate by knowing your responsibilities. Furthermore, you should always aim to make choices and decisions that will affect your health in a good way.

A lupus diagnosis can be very devastating and will change your life, but you don’t have to face this disease by yourself. Our The Woodlands TX Rheumatologist Lupus Specialist is here to listen, provide caring support, and answers to your questions. Additionally, our trustworthy, reliable, and high-quality resources provide assistance to help you live a comfortable and long life.

Research Studies

We perform and review research studies to produce information and programs to help patients and doctors alike. The goal here is to find ways for both patients and doctors to better manage the disease. If you’re a patient being treated for lupus, you may be eligible to participate in one of the research studies.

Treating Lupus Every Step of the Way

When you choose Advanced Rheumatology of Houston as your The Woodlands TX Rheumatologist Lupus Specialist, you’re getting expert medical advice, quality care, and assistance every step of the way. Contact our clinic by calling (281) 766-7886. You can also get more information by visiting our services or research studies webpages. When you’re in need of The Woodlands TX Rheumatologist Lupus Specialist services, you know who to call.

 

The Woodlands TX Fun Facts

• The first high school in The Woodlands opened in 1976
• Home to spring creek, an excellent location for canoeing
• The Woodlands area has five major hospitals
• Learn more about The Woodlands here