Lupus

What is lupus?

Lupus, medically known as systemic lupus erythematosus, is a type of autoimmune disorder that affects multiple body parts. With lupus, your immune cells mistakenly attack healthy tissue in your body, leading to inflammation. Unlike other types of autoimmune disorders, lupus may affect multiple organs and body parts, including your:

• Skin
• Joints
• Kidneys
• Heart
• Lungs
• Brain

The inflammation caused by lupus may damage these vital organs and affect function, overall health, and quality of life. 

Lupus is more common in women and often develops at an early age. You may be at risk of developing lupus if it runs in your family. 

What are lupus symptoms?

Lupus affects every person differently, and signs and symptoms vary significantly. Some of the most common symptoms of lupus include:

• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Joint pain
• Shortness of breath
• Rash that covers your cheeks and nose
• Chest pain
• Dry eyes
• Confusion
• Headaches

Your symptoms may be mild or severe, and they may come and go. You may even experience long periods when you don’t have any symptoms at all, referred to as remission.

How is lupus diagnosed?

Lupus is a complex disease and can be challenging to diagnose. The rheumatology experts at Pleasanton Arthritis and Osteoporosis Medical Center specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune disorders and conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. 

During your evaluation, the team asks detailed questions about your symptoms and medical and family history. Based on the information gathered, the team may recommend a series of blood tests to confirm or rule out lupus. 

How is lupus treated?

The team at Pleasanton Arthritis and Osteoporosis Medical Center develops individualized treatment plans for lupus based on the severity of your symptoms. The goal of your treatment plan is to suppress your overactive immune system, reduce symptoms, and keep the disease in remission. 

Treatments may include:

• Corticosteroids
• Antimalarial drugs
• Immunosuppressants
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Dedicated to providing patients with the most innovative and up-to-date treatments available, Pleasanton Arthritis and Osteoporosis Medical Center also offers infusion therapy. The team may recommend infusion therapy if conservative remedies fail to improve your symptoms. 

With advances in medical treatment, long-term remission for lupus is possible. To schedule a consultation with the rheumatology experts at Pleasanton Arthritis and Osteoporosis Medical Center, call the office or request an appointment online.