Are you looking for a Tomball TX lupus rheumatologist near me? Then you have found the right place because Advanced Rheumatology of Houston has everything you need to overcome your rheumatologic illness. Rheumatologic illnesses can disrupt a person’s life and are commonly chronic, meaning there is no cure.

This is why people search for a fantastic doctor that they can trust and return to. Having a supportive doctor to keep track of your illness is an important part of treatment. Once you have the proper treatment, then your illness will become easier to manage. Many people live normal and fulfilling lives despite their rheumatologic illness. You, too, can live a comfortable and happy life.

Dr. Brionez is an experienced and compassionate doctor and a highly skilled rheumatologist. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science from Texas A&M. After that, she went to Baylor College of Medicine to earn her Doctor of Medicine. Shen then went on to complete her Fellowship in Rheumatology at the Universit of Texas Health Science Center. Once she was finished with school, she became board certified in 2007 for internal medicine. Two years later, in 2009, she became board certified in rheumatology.

She is extremely compassionate and has over ten years of experience in diagnosing and treating rheumatologic illnesses. Dr. Brionez also has many years of experience in research studies. She can help you reach your goal of living a healthy and happy life. Contact her to be your Tomball TX lupus rheumatologist near me. Continue reading for more information on lupus.

What Are Lupus and What Are The Symptoms?

Lupus is the nickname for systemic lupus erythematosus, which is also called SLE. It is an autoimmune disorder that affects women predominantly. SLE can develop during puberty or young adulthood. It can cause systemic inflammation that affects the healthy tissues of the joints and organs. In more severe cases, it can affect the kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain. For more mild cases, it can affect the joints; however, either way, it will cause pain and disruptions to a person’s life.

Twenty percent of patients with lupus are children and teens. And while it is rare, it has been known to develop in children under the age of five, which is called childhood-onset SLE. If lupus is left untreated, it can not only cause substantial pain and discomfort, but it can cause organ damage.

The cause of lupus is unknown, and it is known as a chronic disease, which means there is no cure. However, there is treatment available for those who struggle with lupus. The trick is getting a proper diagnosis. There are many signs and symptoms of lupus, and many of them aren’t specific to lupus. This can make diagnosing lupus challenging for doctors. Another problem with lupus is that the symptoms can vary from patient to patient, and they won’t appear all at once. Here are some of the non-specific signs of lupus:

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

With these symptoms, they could point to any disease that isn’t lupus. Luckily, The American College of Rheumatology created a list of symptoms that can be used as a guide for doctors. This list makes lupus a bit easier to diagnose. A few of these symptoms are:

Rashes

There are a few types of rashes you could get because of lupus. These rashes are malar rashes, discoid rashes, and rashes from sunlight. Malar rashes are known for their butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks. Discoid rashes are known as red raised round or oval patches. Then rashes from sunlight are because those with lupus are sensitive to sunlight. Lupus can flare-up because you are exposed to the sun, which is why any skin that is exposed to the sun will develop a rash.

Mouth Sores

These are sores that can be found in the mouth or the nose. They will last anywhere from a few days to a month.

Arthritis

This is a disease of the joints. Arthritis is tenderness and swelling in two or more joints that will last for a couple of weeks. A rheumatologist can diagnose and treat arthritis, whether it is from lupus or caused by something else.

Lung or Heart Inflammation

Lung and heart inflammation can cause chest pain when you breathe deeply. The medical terms for this are pericarditis for heart inflammation and pleurisy or pleuritis for lung inflammation.

Kidney Problems

There are a couple of ways to catch kidney problems. Doctors can catch kidney problems through testing that shows kidney function. Another way they can spot problems is through urine analysis. If there is protein or blood in the urine, then that can be a sign of a possible kidney problem. Other tests, however, can show poor kidney function, which is usually more exact.

Neurologic Problems

This refers to problems having to do with the nervous system. These problems can include seizures, strokes, or psychosis.

Abnormal Blood Tests

There is one common abnormality that happens appears in nearly all lupus patients. This abnormality is positive antinuclear antibodies. These are the antibodies that cause your immune system to attack itself and the healthy tissues in your body. Other abnormalities can include anemia, low white blood cell counts, and low platelet counts. Other antibodies could be found, such as anti-double-strand DNA, anti-Smith, and antiphospholipid antibodies.

While lupus can be challenging to diagnose, it doesn’t mean it is impossible. The best way to catch lupus in a patient is through blood tests, the most important one being an ANA. This is why it is important to have a skilled Tomball TX lupus rheumatologist near me.

Finding Treatment

While lupus is a chronic illness, that doesn’t mean you have to live in pain. There is treatment available that is effective at improving the quality of life and the patient’s lifespan. The main goal is to keep lupus in remission to prevent organ damage.

It is common for lupus to have periods of activity followed by periods of remission. Remission is when lupus is least active, and patients are dealing with little to no symptoms. Treatment that helps keep lupus in remission is medication. Here are some of the medications that are used for treatment:

• NSAIDs
• Benlysta
• Plaquenil
• Corticosteroids and immune suppressants

When you choose a skilled Tomball TX lupus rheumatologist near me, then you will get to start living a more normal life. They will strive to find a treatment that will work with your medical history and current symptoms.

Your Tomball TX lupus rheumatologist near me

To set up an appointment with Dr. Brionez call (281) 766-7886. You can also learn more about Advanced Rheumatology of Houston by checking out their services or by checking out their location. Allow Advanced Rheumatology of Houston to be your Tomball TX lupus rheumatologist near me.

Fun Facts About Tomball, Texas

• Tomball TX was awarded the “Superior Public Drinking Water System” by the TCEQ
• Tomball made it into the top three Texas cities for its gas system
• They became a railroad town in 1906
• For more facts about Tomball check us out