Dr. Brionez should be your Tombal TX lupus specialist. She has more than 10 years of experience as a rheumatologist. She has been in practice since 2009 and years of knowledge over rheumatologic conditions. Myositis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and of course, lupus are a few examples. These diseases and more cause pain and discomfort in millions.
One in four Americans has been diagnosed with a rheumatologic condition. These diseases can cause severe pain, discomfort, swelling, and impact other areas of health. In general, rheumatologist diagnoses and treats arthritis, lupus, gout, and more. These diseases are known as rheumatologic conditions. Rheumatologic conditions are categorized as diseases that affect connecting tissues such as joints, ligaments, tendons, and more.
Lupus is a serious disease and should be treated like so.
These conditions range in severity and require medical treatments. In some cases, these conditions are autoimmune diseases, which is when the immune system starts attacking healthy tissue. A disease of joints are some of the most common such as arthritis. However, these diseases can affect many portions of the body.
Above all, it is important to see a general doctor if you are experiencing swelling, soreness, tenderness, or worsening symptoms. These symptoms are some of the most common in all rheumatologic illnesses, but it does not mean you are suffering from such a condition. Be sure to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus, or simply known as lupus, is an autoimmune disease. As aforementioned, autoimmune diseases refer to the immune system attacking healthy tissues in the body. In the case of lupus, the immune system is attacking the skin, joints, and organs. Lupus ranges in severity and can have major impacts on other parts of patients’ health.
Lupus is capable of affecting vital organs such as the kidneys, heart, brain, and lungs. For this reason, lupus can be a very serious disease. Fortunately, recent advancements in treatment have made living with lupus easier. The cause of lupus is unknown, which makes the diagnosis and treatment process more difficult. That said, there is no cure for lupus.
So, patients must live with treating their symptoms and reducing the overactivity of the immune system. Lupus may show up in anyone, but the biggest demographic it affects is children and teenagers. 20% of patients with lupus are children or teens. Lupus rarely develops in children before the age of five. Girls in the stages of puberty are often affected by this condition.
Symptoms and Diagnosing Lupus
As mentioned earlier, diagnosing and treating lupus is difficult. The symptoms of lupus are very similar to other rheumatologic diseases and diseases outside of the rheumatologic family. Fever, weight loss, and hair loss are a few examples of those symptoms. In addition, fatigue and blood clots, heartburn, and stomach pain may occur. Even though this disease is hard to identify and treat, it does not make it impossible.
Lupus has several symptoms similar to other diseases.
Dr. Brionez has more than 10 years of experience, which means she has seen lupus many times before. She will examine patients’ symptoms closely. The American College of Rheumatology has a list of symptoms that are also associated with lupus. Below, you can find a few of those symptoms.
- Mouth or nose sores
- Rashes
- Kidney problems
- Poor circulation in hands and feet
- Tenderness and swelling in joints
- Chest pain with deep breathing
If you have the symptoms above, then it does not mean you have lupus. You have the possibility of having lupus. A blood test will help dictate whether Dr. Brionez diagnoses you. The blood test that will be used is an ANA test (antinuclear antibodies). These antibodies are capable of causing the immune system to attack itself, which are commonly present in lupus patients.
If your ANA test is positive, then you will most likely be diagnosed with lupus. Further tests may be run to ensure the diagnosis. If your ANA test is negative, then you will not be diagnosed with lupus. Some antibody types are potentially harmful to pregnant women as they can cause miscarriages.
Lupus Treatment
As stated before, lupus has no cure. So, patients must learn to live with the disease. There are plenty of ways to reduce the symptoms and immune systems activity. Medication is important in reducing symptoms such as soreness, fatigue, rashes, and mouth sores. Flares are common in lupus, which is when the immune system kicks into overdrive and causes worsening symptoms. At other times, the system goes dormant. Medication can help reduce flare-ups.
You don’t have to take on lupus alone. There is help out there.
Lupus patients with severe cases may take corticosteroids, which reduces the immune system’s activity. If their lupus is attacking vital organs, then this medication option is the best option. Recently, an FDA approved biologic was found to be successful for mild cases of lupus. This was the first FDA approved lupus medication since 1955.
In general, lupus patients are expected to exercise, eat healthily, and quit smoking if you do so. These steps will reduce symptoms such as soreness, swelling, development of heart disease, and more. Avoid excess sunlight if your lupus case is prone to rashes. The sun is capable of flaring rashes. When exercising, be sure to do it in moderation.
Lupus Research Study
If you do have lupus, then you may be able to help test an investigational drug to treat the condition. The SLE-BRAVE research study is using an investigational drug with lupus therapy in order to test results. Visit our lupus research study page in order to see more information. You can also find out if you qualify for the study. Advanced Rheumatology of Houston would love to help you participate in this crucial study.
Tomball TX Lupus Specialist
If you are seeking a Tomball TX lupus specialist, then give Dr. Brionez’s clinic a call today. You can reach Advanced Rheumatology of Houston by calling (281) 766-7886. You may find where we are located on our location page. When you call, ask us about the SLE-BRAVE research study. You may qualify and could help provide comfort to current and future lupus patients. We also have other research studies you can ask about or visit on our website. Dr. Brionez should be your go-to Tomball TX lupus specialist.
Fun Facts about Tomball
- Tomball was awarded the “Superior Public Drinking Water System” from the TCEQ.
- The city has a 97% Excellent rating of the Utilities Gas System.
- Tomball is ranked as one of the top three cities in Texas for our gas system.
- Find more fun facts about Tomball here.
