Are you searching for Tomball TX lupus doctor near me? Then you have come to the right place. Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is the place to go when you are dealing with symptoms from lupus.

Lupus is a nickname for systemic lupus erythematosus, which is also called SLE. SLE or lupus is an autoimmune disorder that causes systemic inflammation of multiple organs. It can affect joints or vital organs, depending on the severity of the disease. If lupus is left untreated, then it can have a massive impact on a patient’s life.

The main problem with this disease is that it will attack joints and, in severe cases, vital organs. Some of the organs that it can affect are the kidneys, brain, lungs, and heart. What causes lupus is unknown; however, advancements in treatments have made it possible for those with lupus to live fulfilling lives. The treatments available are great at improving the quality of life and increasing lifespan.

Most of those affected by lupus are women. About twenty percent of patients are children and teens, while a rare few have it start before the age of five. Those that have lupus before the age of five have a form of lupus called childhood-onset SLE.

When you are struggling with lupus, chances are you are looking for a compassionate doctor to help you through it. Dr. Brionez is kind and compassionate. She focuses on helping her patients live healthier and happier lives.

When searching for a Tomball TX lupus doctor near me, you should highly consider Dr. Brionez. Her medical advice will help you get back to enjoying your life.

Many symptoms are associated with lupus. Here are some of the symptoms, signs, and treatments you could expect when talking with your doctor.

Symptoms and Signs

Since lupus varies from person to person, it can be a challenge to diagnose. Many of the symptoms of lupus aren’t specific to the disease. Some of the symptoms can include:

• heartburn
• stomach pain
• blood clots
• hair loss
• fatigue
• fever
• weight loss
• poor circulation in the extremities

Flare-ups are common for lupus. They can happen during puberty, pregnancy, and even from sun exposure. When flare-ups happen during pregnancy, they can cause complications or even miscarriages. However, pregnancy is possible even when living with lupus. It requires planning with a doctor to pull it off. They will work with you to help you to time your pregnancy with your remission.

While these symptoms can vary, some are used to diagnose the disease. The American College of Rheumatology has chosen these symptoms. Here are some of the symptoms that doctors look for:

Rashes

There are a couple of different rashes that can be caused by lupus. They 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/round patches. Then rashes from sun exposure come from after being out in the sun and will appear on exposed skin.

Mouth Sores

The sores can appear in the nose or mouth and will last from a few days to a month.

Arthritis

Arthritis is known to be pain and swelling in two or more joints and lasts for a few weeks.

Lung or Heart Inflammation

This will cause chest pain when breathing deeply. Inflammation of the heart is known as pericarditis, while inflammation of the lungs is called pleurisy or pleuritis.

Kidney Problems

Kidney problems can be found through urine tests where the doctor may see blood or protein. Another way to tell is from other tests that show poor kidney function.

Neurologic Problems

This can be classified as psychosis ( a mental health issue), seizures, or strokes.

Abnormal Blood Tests

Abnormalities can be low platelets, anemia, or low white blood cell counts. Other abnormalities include the presence of antibodies. The most common in lupus patients are positive antinuclear antibodies. These antibodies cause the immune system to attack itself. Other antibodies that can be found in lupus patients are anti-double-strand DNA, anti-Smith, and antiphospholipid antibodies.

Lupus is known for having moments where the disease is most active then is often followed by times where it is quiet. The times when the disease is quiet is known as remission.

Lupus is challenging to diagnose because of all the varying symptoms and how they don’t appear immediately. The most common way to diagnose lupus is through blood tests. The blood test that is the most important when it comes to diagnosing lupus is an ANA.

Getting Treatment

Since lupus is a chronic illness, there is no cure at this time. However, there are plenty of effective treatments that can help keep it in remission. Many people who have lupus live normal healthy lives. They also live longer thanks to the advancements in treatment. The reason for keeping lupus in remission is to prevent permanent organ damage.

Currently, many medications help keep lupus under control. These medications are:

• NSAIDs
• Corticosteroids and immune suppressants
• Plaquenil
• Benlysta

When looking for a treatment, discuss with your doctor what would work best. They will help you decide on a treatment plan that will work with your medical history and current symptoms. All medication has side effects and benefits, and your doctor will know how to limit side effects while also controlling lupus. So for more information about treatment and what works for you, contact Advanced Rheumatology of Houston for your Tomball TX lupus doctor near me.

Having A Life With Lupus

It can be shocking to discover that you have a chronic illness. However, lupus won’t keep you from living a full life. The treatment has come a long way and will allow you to live longer and have a higher quality of life.

As you cope with lupus, it is important to have a reliable support group of doctors, family, and friends. Lupus can be unpredictable, and having a support group will help you through any flare-ups.

Also, it is a good idea to learn about lupus and its treatments. The more you know about how to manage lupus and what to expect from the progression of the treatment, the easier it will be to cope with it.

It is highly encouraged that once you do have treatment to follow everything the doctor has prescribed. You will also be expected to visit your doctor often so they can keep track of your disease. That way, they can adjust the treatment as needed to keep lupus in remission.

The Best Tomball TX Lupus Doctor Near Me

To set up an appointment with Dr. Brionez, give Advanced Rheumatology of Houston a call at (281) 766-7886. You can also learn more about them by checking out their other services or drop by to visit their location. Make Advanced Rheumatology of Houston your Tomball TX lupus doctor near me.

 

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