It’s May Lupus Awareness Month.
Did you know that the word “wolf” is Latin for wolf?
We know it sounds random, but there is meaning behind the name. In the 13th century, a health care provider (HCP) said that the skin lesions from the disease looked like a wolf bite mark.
Usually when people talk about lupus, they are referring to the most common type called systemic lupus erythematosus. “Systemic” means throughout your body and “erythematous” comes from the Greek word redmeaning red — a nod to the butterfly-shaped rash associated with the disease.
While the name represents a few symptoms associated with the disease, there are many symptoms of lupus to consider. And the disease affects everyone differently, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to treating the disease.
Lupus symptoms
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes your body’s immune system to attack healthy organs and tissues. This means that the disease can affect different parts of the body and appear in different ways.
Symptoms of lupus may include:
- Butterfly-shaped rash on the face
- Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
- White or blue fingers and toes from cold temperatures or stressful situations
It’s important to keep track of your symptoms and their severity so you and your HCP can keep them in mind when formulating a treatment plan.
Types of health care providers for lupus care
The first step in treating lupus is finding an HCP you trust.
For many people, that person is a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist specializes in treating conditions that affect muscles and joints. However, many HCPs treat lupus, so primary care physicians can also help you with treatment options and overall management.
Depending on your symptoms and your type of lupus, other HCPs for lupus-related conditions may include:
- A nephrologist for kidney problems such as lupus nephritis. Lupus nephritis is a serious complication of SLE that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the kidneys and can cause inflammation and organ damage.
- A gastroenterologist for problems in the digestive system, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas and gall bladder
- A dermatologist to treat sores, rashes and/or scaly skin associated with a type of lupus called cutaneous lupus
- A cardiologist for heart problems
- A neurologist for brain and nervous system disorders
- A pulmonologist for lung diseases
- A perinatologist for high-risk pregnancies and gynecological care
Open communication with your healthcare provider is key to managing lupus
The next step in finding the right treatment plan is to talk with your HCP about your symptoms and goals for treatment as part of a shared decision-making process.
Since no two cases of lupus are alike, it’s important to tell your HCP about the symptoms you’re experiencing, the symptoms that bother you the most, and the different ways lupus affects your life.
It’s a good idea to write this information down before your HCP visit and also define what you hope to achieve with the treatment. A good place to start setting your personal goals is to think about the activities you love to do and how you can find a treatment that allows you to do what you love.
For example, if you experience joint pain every day, your personal goal might be to manage the pain.
Treatment options for lupus
There is no cure for lupus yet, but medications can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation and flare-ups, and reduce the risk of organ damage.
- Hydroxychloroquine (an antimalarial) reduces pain and flare-ups and reduces the amount of other lupus drugs needed to treat the disease
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help manage pain and inflammation
- Steroids quickly reduce pain, swelling and inflammation
- Immunosuppressants reduce organ damage
- Monoclonal antibodies target immune system cells and help control disease activity
- Biologic drugs reduce disease activity, prevent flare-ups, and reduce the amount of other drugs needed to treat lupus
- ACTH gels reduce inflammation and are used when steroids or other medications don’t work
When discussing treatment options with your HCP, it’s also important to consider the side effects of medications and any long-term effects you may want to consider.
In addition to medications, alternative treatments (physical therapy or chiropractic) and lifestyle changes such as reducing stress and getting enough sleep are options you may want to incorporate into your plan.
Shared decision making makes all the difference in wolf care
Lupus is a complex disease and you may need to try a few combinations of treatments to get to the plan that works for you. However, open communication between you and your HCP can help you find the right combination so you can work toward remission and live your best life.
This educational resource was created with the support of GSK, a member of the HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council.
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