Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
About Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder that may affect the skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs. The disease is thought to be due to âmisfiringâ of the bodyâs immune system so that it attacks organs of the body. The result is chronic (long-term) inflammation that may cause arthritis, skin rash, kidney disease, brain inflammation, and heart problems.Symptoms
Symptoms are highly variable but may include: fever, fatigue, general discomfort, skin rash (`butterfly` rash over the cheeks and bridge of the nose affects about half of those with SLE), sensitivity to sunlight, joint pain and swelling, swollen glands, muscle aches, nausea, chest pain with breathing, seizures, psychosis.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests used to diagnose SLE may include blood tests (including an antibody called antinuclear antibody, or ANA, that is present in nearly all people with lupus), urine tests, imaging, and a kidney biopsy.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), EKG, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
There is no cure for lupus. Treatment is provided to control symptoms and is based on the severity of those symptoms. Treatment may include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), corticosteroid creams, an anti-malaria drug (hydroxychloroquine), methotrexate, azathioprine and/or oral steroids. Severe or life-threatening symptoms (such as hemolytic anemia, extensive heart or lung involvement, kidney disease, or central nervous system involvement) may require high dose steroids, cytotoxic medications (such as cyclophosphamide/Cytoxan) and other drugs to inhibit the immune system. For more information contact: Lupus Foundation of America: (800)558-0121Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Rheumatology · Pediatric Rheumatology
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus).