Are you searching for Tomball TX best lupus doctors near me? Then you need to contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. They are one of the best rheumatologists in the Houston area. Dr. Brionez has over ten years of experience in diagnosing and treating different rheumatologic diseases. She also has multiple years of experience with research studies.

Her goal is to help her patients live a more comfortable and healthy life. She cares about her patients and what is happening to them. If you are struggling with symptoms from lupus, then you should talk to her. She would love to help you through this disease and would only use the most trusted methods for treatments.

Dr. Brionez has an extensive background in medicine. She began at Texas A&M University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences. From there, she earned her Doctor of Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine. She then completed her Fellowship in Rheumatology while at the University of Texas Health Science Center. After that, in 2007, she was board-certified in intern medicine then board-certified in rheumatology. Ever since then, she has been in practice.

When dealing with lupus, it is important to have a doctor who understands the ins and out of the disease. Dr. Brionez has extensive knowledge of rheumatologic illnesses and can help those who struggle with lupus live a more normal life. By allowing Advanced Rheumatology of Houston to be your Tomball TX best lupus doctors near me, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.

Continue reading to learn more about lupus and what it is about.

What is Lupus?

Lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is found primarily in women. About twenty percent of patients with lupus are children and teens. Although it is rare, there is a form of lupus called childhood-onset SLE that develops in children under the age of five.

Since it is an autoimmune disorder, this meant that it would cause the immune system to attack the healthy tissues in the body. It affects the joints and organs of the body by causing systemic swelling. In its more severe forms, it can affect the tissues of the heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys. In its mild form, it affects the joints and can cause pain or discomfort to the patient. Treatment is available to keep from there being any permanent damage to joints or organs.

There are many symptoms to lupus, and the disease varies from person to person, making it hard to diagnose. However, this isn’t the only challenge in diagnosing lupus. There are symptoms that aren’t specific to lupus, and the symptoms don’t come all at once. Here are some of the symptoms you might face that aren’t specific to lupus:

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

While these symptoms could lead to anything, The American College of Rheumatology has created a list of symptoms to use as a guide. And because these symptoms don’t come on all at once, it can be a challenge to go off of these alone. However, they do give doctors an idea of what is going on. Here are some of the symptoms that can be found on that list:

Rashes

Rashes from lupus can show up in a couple of ways. Malar rashes are rashes that have butterfly-shaped patches on the cheeks. Discoid rashes are red raised circular patches on the skin. You can also have rashed from sun exposure that appears on exposed skin.

Arthritis

This is considered a disease of the joints. It is where there is tenderness and swelling in two or more joints. This tenderness and swelling will last for a few weeks.

Mouth Sores

These sores can be in the nose or mouth. They will last between a few days to a month.

Lung or Heart Inflammation

This can cause chest pain when you breathe deeply. The scientific names for inflammation of the heart and lungs are pericarditis (heart) and pleurisy or pleuritis (lungs).

Kidney Problems

The main way to tell if your kidneys are having problems is to run tests. If the test results show poor kidney function, then there is a problem. Another way to tell if you may have kidney problems is to have a urine analysis, and if the doctors find protein or blood in the urine, that can be a sign as well.

Neurologic Problems

These can be seizures, strokes, or psychosis.

Abnormal Blood Tests

Doctors will look for abnormalities such as anemia, low white blood cell counts, or low platelets. For lupus patients, nearly all of them have positive antinuclear antibodies. These are the antibodies that cause your immune system to attack itself. Other abnormalities are if doctors find anti-Smith, anti-double-strand DNA, or antiphospholipid antibodies.

The best way to diagnose lupus is to run blood tests, specifically an ANA. This will pick up on anything that might be amiss despite the symptoms varying. Lupus will also have moments of activity followed by moments of remission. Remission is when the disease is least active, and patients deal with fewer symptoms. To get the best diagnosis and treatment, make Advance Rheumatology of Houston your Tomball TX best lupus doctors near me.

Finding A Treatment

Since lupus is a chronic disease, that means that there is no way to cure it yet. Doctors also don’t know what causes lupus in the first place. However, that does not mean that you have to live in pain. There are treatments available that allow patients with lupus to live longer and better lives. These treatments have shown to improve quality of life and increase lifespan. Although lupus can be a scary disease, treatment will prevent permanent organ damage and will keep lupus in remission.

Currently, the most common form of treatment is medication. Some of the medication that helps treat lupus are:

• Corticosteroids and immune suppressants
• Plaquenil
• NSAIDs
• Benlysta

Your doctor will work with you to find the best course of treatment that works with your current symptoms and medical history. Like all medications, there are side effects and benefits. By going to your doctor regularly, they will find ways to keep the side effects low while making sure that lupus is under control.

The Best Tomball TX Best Lupus Doctors Near Me

Contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston today at (281) 766-7886 to set up an appointment. You can also learn more about their services or drop by and visit their location. Don’t face this disease alone. Allow Advanced Rheumatology of Houston to be your Tomball TX best lupus doctors near me.

 

Fun Facts About Tomball Texas

• The TCEQ award Tomball with the “Superior Public Drinking Water System.”
• Tomball has a 97% rating for the Utilities Gas System
• They are one of the top three cities in Texas for their gas system
• For more fun facts come to visit