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A New Free Report - What Is Lupus?
This fascinating new report from UK-based publishing house Health Research Today answers some of the most-asked questions about this baffling disease :
- What is the medical definition of lupus?
- What are the symptoms of lupus?
- What tests are there for lupus? How do you get a diagnosis?
Fill in this form and we will send you the report immediately, which you are welcome to send on to friends or family!
The Symptoms of Lupus
This article is an extract from the ebook Freedom From Lupus!
Lupus is a disease that has a
variety of symptoms from fatigue, pulmonary pain, neurological issues, and
more. The purpose of the ACR criteria
is to sort those symptoms to differentiate the ones that indicate lupus and
ones that indicate other diseases. Many
symptoms are very generalized to other diseases, which is why it often takes a
long time to diagnose lupus.
Understanding the multitude of
symptoms of lupus can help patients recognize some things they never thought
were related to lupus. It can also help
loved ones see that some symptoms are not necessarily outside the realm of
possibility for lupus patients. It is
important to discuss any symptoms with a doctor, as some are a result of
medications and other factors.
While some may be due to a lupus
flare, others may be more representative of separate illnesses.
Doctors will sometimes have to do a number
of tests to determine if the symptom is lupus related or not.
The determination will often help the doctor
decide on the appropriate course of action.
Tiredness & Chronic Fatigue
Malaise and tiredness is found in
about 80 percent of SLE patients, and for 50 percent of those patients the
fatigue is disabling1. It is
the third most commonly heard complaint from lupus patients.
Fatigue is usually found in active lupus due
to inflammations, infections, depression, anemia, hormonal problems,
medication, and stress – all factors common to lupus patients.
New research also points to cytokines, a
specific type of glycoprotein, as a contributor to fatigue in lupus patients.
Most doctors recommend five steps
in managing fatigue in lupus patients:
- Figure out the cause of the fatigue. Is it reversible? Rule out non-lupus related causes like malnutrition, substance abuse, pain medication, depression, bi-polar disorder, etc. Anemia, hypothyroidism, and blood sugar levels can also cause fatigue in lupus patients. However, treatment is often based on whether or not it is a lupus flare or due to another cause.
- Keep a steady pace and stay active. Lupus patients cannot work 8 to 10 straight hours per day. Even working 6 hours with no rest can be traumatic for lupus patients. Much work-related fatigue can be managed by doing 1 to 2 hours of activity then resting for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Take the right medication. Corticosteroids and antimalarials are lupus medications that can decrease fatigue. Doctors may also prescribe iron, thyroid medication, serotonin reuptake inhibiting or tricyclic antidepressants, or a combination of medication to counteract fatigue.
- Get a good night’s sleep. Even in the healthiest person a lack of sleep will cause fatigue. However, in a lupus patient sleep is imperative. Lupus patients need to get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each night.
- Exercise is a good thing. While some lupus patients may seem too tired to exercise, even just a walking program can help fight fatigue. Patients need to work with their doctors to determine an effective exercise program.
- One of the more common reasons for fatigue is actually due to anemia, which will be discussed under blood disorders. Proper treatment of underlying conditions causing fatigue will actually help relieve these symptoms.
Read the rest of this article in Freedom From Lupus!
© Health Research Today
