Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own healthy tissue. As with many autoimmune disorders, symptoms aren’t always visible to the outside world. Flare-ups can make everyday life challenging, but with supportive disease management, lupus patients don’t have to compromise their quality of life.
WWMG’s Rheumatology providers are specialists at diagnosing and treating inflammatory conditions such as lupus. We offer a holistic approach to care and use leading-edge technology and the latest in clinical research to guide our patient treatments.
Facts About Lupus
Lupus, also called SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) is an autoimmune disease that can trigger inflammation and tissue damage in the skin, organs, joints, and blood cells throughout the body. In the most severe cases, a patient’s kidneys, lungs and brain may also be affected. Lupus symptoms and effects may vary widely from patient to patient.
Approximately 20% of all lupus patients are children under 18, and the condition is 10x more likely to appear in women than men. The exact cause of lupus is not known, but it’s thought that the disease onset is a result of genetics and one’s environment.
There is no known cure for lupus, but there are many ways to manage the symptoms once it’s diagnosed, such as working with a Rheumatologist.
Common Symptoms of Lupus
The most common symptoms of lupus include:
- extreme exhaustion / fatigue
- joint pain and swelling
- rashes that appear following exposure to the sun
- mouth ulcers
- fevers
- hair loss
- weight loss
- swelling in lymph glands
Though common lupus symptoms are the same in women and men, serious long-term effects such as heart and lung issues are more often found in men.
Lupus Diagnosis and Treatment
For those experiencing any of the above symptoms of lupus, a Rheumatologist can perform a complete assessment and deliver a diagnosis. Getting a definitive diagnosis for lupus may take time because symptoms vary so vastly from person to person.
Because lupus symptoms may vary widely among patients, partnering with an experienced Rheumatologist can be an effective strategy for managing symptoms, reducing flare-ups, and minimizing long-term damage. Treatments for lupus are individualized to each patient and may include:
- Anti-malarial drugs
- Corticosteroids
- Immune suppressants
- Biologics
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- BLyS-specific inhibitors
- Other medicines as recommended by a Rheumatologist
Contact a Rheumatologist to Manage Lupus Symptoms
Living with lupus doesn’t have to mean compromising your quality of life.
For help managing lupus symptoms, reducing flare-ups, and minimizing long-term systemic damage, request an appointment with a WWMG Rheumatologist today by filling out the form on this page. You can also call us at:
Everett Rheumatology (425) 252-8375
Bothell Rheumatology (425) 248-2626
We look forward to supporting you.