Lupus Specialist

What is lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that can trigger bodywide inflammation and pain but affects each person differently. It commonly causes inflammation in the joints, skin, heart, kidneys, lungs, and other parts of the body.

Lupus occurs in episodes followed by periods of remission. Flare-ups can range from mild to severe. 

Because it's a complicated disease, many people with lupus don't grasp it well. The Valdosta Specialty Clinic specialists provide lupus education to help you understand your condition better. 

Fortunately, medical science has also made tremendous strides in lupus treatment in recent years. 

What are the symptoms of lupus?

Lupus symptoms can vary so much that it's virtually impossible to list them all. To complicate matters further, reactions in a single area may present differently for each person. Symptoms of lupus may include:

• Chronic tiredness
• Joint pain or swelling
• Extremity (hands and feet) swelling
• Eye swelling
• Headaches
• Low-grade fevers
• Light sensitivity
• Discomfort during deep breathing
• Rash on nose and cheeks
• Thinning hair
• Sores inside nose or mouth
• Numbness and skin color changes in your fingers and toes  

Lupus symptoms are sometimes similar to other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's disease, and fibromyalgia, so it's important to book an evaluation at Valdosta Specialty Clinic to learn the underlying cause of your symptoms. 

How is lupus diagnosed?

There's no definitive individual test to verify this disease. However, your Valdosta Specialty Clinic rheumatologist may use various diagnostic approaches, including blood tests, urine tests, and biopsies, to determine the cause of your symptoms. 

The rheumatology providers are the best in their field, and they take the steps needed to accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe a personalized treatment plan.

How is lupus treated?

Lupus isn't curable, but it can be manageable. Many medications can help with lupus symptoms, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, anti-malarials, and immunosuppressants. You may take medicines by mouth or through infusion therapy. 

If you have lupus, the risk of complications like osteoporosis increases, so you may need medications to preserve your healthy bones. Kidney, lung, eye, gastrointestinal, and brain complications may also occur with lupus, so you may need additional treatment for those issues as well.

Lifestyle modifications can help with many lupus symptoms. Simple changes like increasing sun protection and changing your diet are helpful for an overall lupus treatment strategy.

Valdosta Specialty Clinic experts are ready to help with your lupus, so call the office or schedule a consultation online today.