Tomball TX Rheumatologist Lupus Specialist

A Tomball TX Rheumatologist Lupus Specialist can help you get the right type of medical treatments for this autoimmune disease. Advanced Rheumatology of Houston dedicates its time and efforts to treat patients suffering from rheumatology conditions.

Some of the conditions that we treat include myositis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma. Even more, our clinic also performs research studies that patients are free to take part in. If eligible, patients can take part in these studies that aim to improve treatment options for these complex diseases.

Make sure to visit our studies page to find out more about what you can do to help. Please note that these studies come at no cost to the patient, and oftentimes will include free medication, travel stipends, clinic visits, and labs. With years of experience, our very own Dr. Brionez has participated in numerous research studies.

About Our Tomball TX Rheumatologist Lupus Specialist

Dr. Brionez has more than 10 years of experience in diagnosing and treating rheumatologic illnesses. She completed her undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University, majoring in Nutritional Sciences. Following her time in College Station, she attained her Doctor of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Brionez then completed her Fellowship in Rheumatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

In the year 2007, Dr. Brionez became board-certified in internal medicine, following that up in 2009 with board-certification in rheumatology. Since then, Dr. Brionez has spent her time in practice. As an experienced and professional rheumatologist, she genuinely cares about her patients.

Furthermore, she wants to know as much about their health and what is going on in their lives that could be further affecting their health. All in all, Dr. Brionez focuses her time on helping patients live a comfortable life by using the most trusted treatment techniques.

What Is Lupus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus, also known as lupus, is a chronic disease affecting several parts of the body. Lupus causes inflammation in areas like the skin, joints, and organs. The disease varies in the way it affects different people. For example, flares are common and can vary in seriousness. When lupus is minimally active, it is known as remission.

The organs affected by lupus include the lungs, heart, kidneys, and brain. Some common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, and fever. With that being said, there are many signs of the disease, here’s a list of lupus symptoms below:

        • Fever
        • Fatigue
        • Heartburn
        • Blood clots
        • Weight loss
        • Hair loss
        • Stomach pain
        • Ches pain
        • Rashes
        • Cold toes
        • Mouth
        • Sore joints
        • Swollen joints
        • Kidneys

Thanks to recent advancements in treatments, patients with lupus are able to live much more comfortable lives in addition to living longer. However, the exact causes of lupus remain unknown. What we do know is that it’s an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system attacks healthy tissues. During lupus, the immune system as a whole assists in the attacks on healthy tissue. As such, it’s imperative that you treat lupus, as inflammation can be very severe. Our Tomball TX Rheumatologist Lupus Specialist is here to help.

Diagnosing Lupus

Lupus can be difficult to diagnose as it has various types of symptoms, and they don’t always show up the right way. The most effective way of testing for lupus is through blood tests, and there are several to choose from, such as ANA.

When diagnosed with lupus, you should know that there are several methods that can lead to reduce symptoms and help you live a comfortable life. Lupus is a chronic disease, meaning that there is no cure as of now. For the most part, cases can be controlled through a number of medications, and aforementioned, recent treatment advances have made living with lupus much more doable and comfortable than ever before.

Treating Lupus

As we mentioned previously, lupus has no cure. However, a Lupus Doctor can help you live comfortably despite the disease. There are several treatment options available, but there is still a long way to go in the fight against this deadly disease.

Currently, there are three different types of medication for lupus: antimalarial drugs, corticosteroids, and biologics. Antimalarial drugs are the most common drug used for patients. They are also recommended for all lupus patients. These drugs treat mouth and nose sores, arthritis, fatigue, rashes, and more.

Alternatively, corticosteroids are also a great option for lupus patients. Corticosteroids are often paired with immune suppressants for patients with life-threatening issues related to lupus. Lastly, biologics are also a modern treatment option for patients suffering from lupus. The medication was approved in 2011 for adults, and for children in 2019.

While very helpful, these treatment options are not always enough. As you know, lupus can be a fatal disease, which is why it’s important to find alternative options. The medications listed help reduce symptoms and issues related to the disease. As such, SLE-BRAVE’s research will help pave the way for improved treatment options.

SLE-BRAVE

The SLE-BRAVE study will be in progress for approximately 14 months. The purpose of this research study is to test the investigational drug baricitnib. The study will also test if lupus therapy is an effective lupus treatment option. Those suffering from lupus may qualify for this research study. SLE BRAVE will help both current and future patients in dealing with the hardships of lupus.

The participants in the study will take the medication orally for one full year. There are two groups participating in this study, one with the real drug and another with the placebo. Additionally, neither you or the doctor will know what form of the drug you are taking. From there, patients will be subject to frequent check-ups. Doctors will check weight, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature checks.

Treating Lupus the Right Way

If you’re looking for top-quality lupus treatment options and expert care, you should definitely get in touch with Dr. Bionez and the team here at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston. You can reach our clinic by calling (281) 766-7886. Moreover, you can learn more by visiting our services or research studies webpages. When in need of high-quality lupus care, turn to the Tomball TX Rheumatologist Lupus Specialist here at Advanced Rheumatology of Houston.

 

Tomball Fun Facts

  • Ranked in the top three cities in the state for our gas system
  • Home to the Battleship Texas State Historical Site
  • The city became a railroad town in 1906
  • Learn more about Tomball here