Lupus
Contents of this Article
What are Flares?
Lupus is characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and periods of wellness, or remission. Understanding how to prevent flares and how to treat them when they do occur helps people with lupus maintain better health.
Flares tend to come and go. You may have swelling and rashes one week and no symptoms at all the next. Even if you take medicine for lupus, you may find that some things trigger your symptoms to flare. Common triggers include:
- Overwork and not enough rest
- Stress
- Being out in the sun or exposed to fluorescent or halogen light
- Infection
- Injury
- Stopping your lupus medicines
- Certain medications
Warning Signs of a Flare:
Contact your doctor right away if you suspect a flare is coming.
- Increased fatigue (feeling more tired)
- Pain
- Rash
- Fever
- Abdominal discomfort (stomach ache)
- Headache
- Dizziness
What You Can Do to Control Lupus Symptoms and Prevent Flares:
- Learn to recognize your warning signals.
- Maintain good communication with your doctor.
- Maintain life balance by setting realistic goals and priorities.
- Limit the time you spend in the sun and in fluorescent and halogen light.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Develop coping skills to help limit stress.
- Get enough sleep and rest.
- Exercise moderately when possible.
- Develop a support system made up of people you trust and can go to for help.
- Learning more about lupus may also help. Studies have shown that patients who are well-informed and participate actively in their own care experience less pain, make fewer visits to the doctor, build self-confidence, and remain more active.
Despite your best efforts to follow your treatment plan and take good care of yourself, there will be times when your lupus symptoms are worse. Being able to spot the warning signs of a flare can help you prevent the flare or make it less severe.
References:
1) The National Women's Health Information Center - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office on Women's Health - May 2008 - www.4woman.gov
2) National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) - Information Clearinghouse - National Institutes of Health - Department of Health and Human Services - NIH Publication No. 03-4178 - September 1997 - Revised August 2003 - www.niams.nih.gov
This summary is a general overview about the topic discussed and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Full Disclaimer & General Safety Advisory