Diagnosing lupus can be difficult and may take months or even years. Although there is no single test for lupus, your doctor may do the following to diagnosis you with the condition:
- Ask you about your medical history.
- Give you a physical exam.
- Take samples of blood, skin, kidney, or urine for laboratory tests. The most useful tests look for certain antibodies in the blood.
Treatments for lupus have improved dramatically in recent decades, giving doctors more choices in how to manage the disease. Because some treatments may cause harmful side effects, you should immediately report any new symptoms to your doctor. You should also talk to your doctor before stopping or changing treatments.
Treatments for lupus include:
- Medications:1
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)2 are used to treat joint or chest pain or fever. Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium are available over the counter, whereas other NSAIDS are available by prescription only.
- Antimalarials prevent and treat malaria, but doctors have found that they also are useful for treating fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and inflammation of the lungs caused by lupus. These drugs may also prevent flares from recurring.
- Corticosteroids, strong inflammation-fighting drugs, may be taken by mouth, in creams applied to the skin, by injection, or by intravenous (IV) infusion (dripping the drug into the vein through a small tube). Because they are potent drugs, your doctor will seek the lowest dose required to achieve the desired benefit.
- Immunosuppressives restrain an overactive immune system and may be prescribed if your kidneys or central nervous systems are affected by lupus. These drugs may be given by mouth or by IV infusion. The risk for side effects increases with the length of treatment.
- B-lymphocyte stimulator (BlyS)-specific inhibitors reduce the number of abnormal B cells thought to be a problem in lupus.
- Alternative and complementary therapies may improve symptoms, although research has not shown whether they help treat the disease. Examples include:
- Special diets.
- Nutritional supplements.
- Fish oils.
- Ointments and creams
- Chiropractic treatment.
- Homeopathy.
In many cases you may need to take medications to treat problems related to lupus, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or infection.
Footnote
1 All medicines can have side effects. Some side effects may be more severe than others. You should review the package insert that comes with your medicine and ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about the possible side effects. Go to reference
2 Warning: Side effects of NSAIDs include stomach problems; skin rashes; high blood pressure; fluid retention; and liver, kidney, and heart problems. The longer a person uses NSAIDs, the more likely he or she is to have side effects, ranging from mild to serious. Many other drugs cannot be taken when a person is being treated with NSAIDs, because NSAIDs alter the way the body uses or eliminates these other drugs. Check with your health care provider or pharmacist before you take NSAIDs. NSAIDs should only be used at the lowest dose possible for the shortest time needed. Go to reference
Diagnosing and treating lupus requires a team effort involving you and several types of health care professionals. These may include:
- Primary care doctors, such as a family physician or internal medicine specialist, who coordinates care between the different health providers and treats other problems as they arise.
- Rheumatologists, who specialize in arthritis and other diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles.
- Clinical immunologists, who specialize in immune system disorders.
- Mental health professionals, who help people cope with difficulties in the home and workplace that may result from their medical conditions.
- Nephrologists, who treat kidney disease.
- Cardiologists, who specialize in the heart and blood vessels.
- Hematologists, who specialize in blood disorders.
- Endocrinologists, who treat problems related to the glands and hormones.
- Dermatologists, who treat skin problems.
Dealing with a long-lasting disease like lupus can be hard on the emotions. You might think that your friends, family, and coworkers do not understand how you feel. Sadness and anger are common reactions.
Besides working with your doctor to determine a treatment plan, there are a few things you can do to help you live with lupus:
- Learn to recognize the warning signs of a flare so that you and your doctor might reduce or prevent them. These warning signs include:
- Increased tiredness.
- Pain.
- Rash.
- Fever.
- Stomach discomfort.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Eat a proper diet, exercise, and learn relaxation techniques to help cope with stress. A healthy lifestyle, as well as quitting smoking, will also reduce your risk for heart disease associated with lupus. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.
- Develop and maintain a good support system of family, friends, medical professionals, community organizations, and support groups.
Pregnancy and Contraception for Women With Lupus
Although pregnancy in women with lupus is considered high risk, most women with mild to moderate lupus can have healthy pregnancies. Regular care and good nutrition during pregnancy are essential. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Research shows that birth control pills do not increase the risk for severe flares among women with lupus. As a result, doctors are increasingly prescribing oral contraceptives to women with inactive or stable disease.