For the vast majority of people going through life with lupus, effective management can reduce symptoms, reduce inflammation, and maintain a normal life. It is therefore critical to understand, recognize and manage symptoms in order to manage the disease.
Lupus is different for each individual, but it often appears in cycles, which can consist of:
- a ‘flare’, with severe acute symptoms needing medical attention;
- a ‘chronic’ phase, when symptoms may continue but are less severe;
- a ‘remission’, when symptoms may disappear completely for long periods but can return.
Although some people with lupus have severe recurrent attacks and are frequently hospitalized, most people with lupus rarely require hospitalization and there are many lupus patients who never have to be hospitalized, especially if they are careful and follow their physician’s instructions. Each person’s experience of diagnosis, treatment, and living with lupus will be very different.
What is a Flare?
Recognizing symptoms of a flare in its early stages can make treatment easier and more effective and minimize impact on quality of life. A person with lupus needs to avoid situations that can trigger a flare such as getting too tired, intense stress, poor diet, joint pain, brain fog or other specific factors noticed by patient or doctor. It is critical that you contact your rheumatologist immediately if you are in a flare or think you are on the verge of a flare.
How to Manage the Chronic Condition
Preventive measures can reduce the risk of flares and minimize symptoms:
- Take all prescribed medications as outlined by your rheumatologist and health care team. Do not change the medication regime without consulting your rheumatologist.
- Understand the side effects of your medications so you can actively participate in a discussion with your health care practitioner.
- Keep all your medical appointments and checkups along with required lab work. Become familiar with how to read lab results so you understand and can follow up with your health care practitioner.
- Be aware of how you are feeling everyday both physically and mentally and take time off to rest if feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
- Sun exposure can trigger flares so regular application of sun screens are required or long sleeves and a hat. Sun exposure can cause photosensitivity as well so ensure you have sun glasses.
- Diet can also help manage inflammation. The “Mediterranean diet” is considered anti-inflammatory with foods such as fish, vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
- Exercise regularly to improve muscle weakness, fatigue and mental well- being.
- Immunization protects against specific infections and is an important preventative safeguard to the immuno-compromised. Ensure your vaccinations are up to date.
- Social interaction is an important part of staying positive. Support groups, counselling, talking to family members, friends, and physicians can help alleviate the effects of stress.
For more information, please go to LivingWithLupus/Resources