If you are searching “Tomball TX lupus doctors near me“, then get in touch with Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. Doctors that specialize in diagnosing and treating lupus are known as rheumatologists. These doctors study rheumatologic diseases, which affect connective tissues in the body. Joints are the most common tissues affected, but organs, muscles, and ligaments may also be involved.

Dr. Brionez, the sole rheumatologist at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston, has more than 10 years of experience in practice. She works closely with patients in order to diagnose and treat them. Rheumatologic conditions range in severity and can be deadly in some cases. Lupus alone is a complex disease that requires a lot of knowledge to understand. Even then, lupus still has a lot of unanswered questions.

That said, it is important to see a rheumatologist in order to keep lupus under control. The disease can have a large impact on a patient’s health as a whole. Advanced Rheumatology of Houston will keep in contact with patients so they can inform Dr. Brionez of any changes in symptoms or the state of the disease.

Lupus patients may also take part in a research study. Advanced Rheumatology of Houston is participating in. This research study is aiming to find a new treatment option for current and future lupus patients. If you have lupus, then you may be interested.

The Complexity of Lupus

As mentioned prior, lupus is a very complex disease. It is categorized as an autoimmune disease, which occurs when the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues in the body. A normal immune system will attack foreign pathogens and infections in the body. So, lupus is an autoimmune disease that attacks the skin, organs, and joints. Lupus is a complex disease because it can be very mild, or it can be very severe.

Severe cases affect the brain and kidneys. These cases need to be monitored closely in order to care for the patient. The cause of lupus is unknown, and the various levels of severity also make complex. Other organs that may be affected are the heart and lungs. To further the complexity of the disease, its symptoms are very common among numerous diseases.

Fever, weight loss, and stomach pains are common symptoms among many diseases. So, diagnosing this disease may be difficult for some rheumatologists. Below, you can find the full list of symptoms for lupus.

• Fever
• Heartburn
• Weight loss
• Hair loss
• Stomach pains
• Rashes
• Chest pains with deep breathing
• Headaches
• Mouth and nose sores
• Arthritis
• Cold toes and fingers
• Blood clots
• Fatigue
• Neurologic problems (seizures, strokes)
• Kidney problems (blood, pain)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then you should see a doctor. A primary doctor can help diagnose and treat you. However, if they feel there is a need for a specialist, make an appointment with Advanced Rheumatology of Houston.

Diagnosing Lupus

Due to lupus being so complex, it is very difficult to diagnose. However, Dr. Brionez will use state-of-the-art technology and trusted techniques in order to diagnose and treat the patient. Firstly, Dr. Brionez will rule out other rheumatologic conditions. Because lupus may represent many other illnesses, it is important to rule out other possibilities. That said, she will examine the symptoms closely.

If she believes lupus may be the cause, then an ANA test will be performed. This test looks for antinuclear antibodies in the body. Their presence is what causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue and is present in almost all lupus patients. If the test is positive, then lupus will be the diagnosis. If there are no antibodies found, then the patient will not be diagnosed with lupus. Lupus patients may have additional tests run to ensure the diagnosis.

Treating and Living with Lupus

Lupus does not have a cure, but its symptoms are manageable. Recent advancements treatments have given lupus patients more comfortable and longer lives. Medication is the best option when it comes to treating lupus. Nonetheless, medication effectiveness will vary from patient to patient. Antimalarial drugs are given to almost every lupus patient. This drug was used to prevent malaria but is effective in treating rashes, mouth and nose sores, fatigue, and arthritis.

For more serious lupus cases, corticosteroids are used. Patients with lupus that is affecting a major organ will most likely be treated with this medication. Corticosteroids suppress the hyperactivity of the immune system. Some of these drugs can also reduce pain in patients. Most recently, a new drug was FDA approved, which makes it the first lupus drug approved since 1955. The drug is what is known as a biologic is used for mild cases of lupus.

Treating certain symptoms is one way to combat this complex disease. Patients are also encouraged to make lifestyle changes to improve their lives. Firstly, exercise will help handle the pain and soreness of arthritis associated with lupus. Because lupus can cause blood clots, it increases the risk of heart disease. Exercise will also help prevent such disease.

Secondly, patients should eat healthy foods. This also helps prevent heart disease, in which lupus patients are more capable of developing. Thirdly, patients need to stop smoking. Lupus can affect the lungs and heart, so smoking will not help the disease throughout their lives. Finally, avoid prolonged sunlight exposure. If you do go outside, wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, and a hat. Sunlight can cause flare-ups in rashes and the disease as a whole.

Tomball TX Lupus Doctors Near Me

Advanced Rheumatology of Houston wants to help those with lupus and other rheumatologic conditions in the Greater Houston area. If you are a lupus patient, then visit our lupus research study in order to find more information on SLE-BRAVE. You can see if you qualify for the study and find additional information about its objective.

Give Advanced Rheumatology of Houston a call today at (281) 766-7886. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Brionez to learn more about the disease are struggling with and finding comfort. Patients can finally stop searching “Tomball TX lupus doctors near me” and start calling.

 

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