Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Allergy & Immunology > Lupus: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Complications

Lupus: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Complications

Updated on August 11, 2021
8 min read
By David Lans, DO, FACP | Rheumatologist

In this article:

  • How Common Is Lupus?
  • Causes of Lupus
  • Treatment for Lupus
  • Diagnosing Lupus
  • Lupus vs. Rosacea
  • Most-Asked Questions About Lupus
  • Risk Factors for Lupus
  • Common Complications Associated With Lupus
  • When to See a Doctor
  • Final Word

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s healthy tissues due to an inability to distinguish its own tissues from foreign invaders.

treatment options for lupus

As a result, the body produces autoantibodies that target healthy tissue, mistaking it for an invader. This attack leads to inflammation in the joints, skin, and other organs. Lupus is a long-term disease that occurs more commonly in women than in men. (1)

How Common Is Lupus?

Fortunately, lupus is not common. In the United States, the prevalence of lupus is about 100 cases per 100,000 populations. (2)

Lupus also may afflict young persons. Approximately 65% of individuals with lupus are between ages 16 and 55, and childhood lupus is a serious condition. Most often, women are diagnosed with lupus in their late 30s and early 40s. (3)

Advertisements

Causes of Lupus

The exact cause of lupus is unknown, but studies on its possible causes are being conducted. The following factors influence the genes, leading to the disease:

  • Environment: Smoking, sunlight, viruses, and certain medicines may trigger symptoms in people carrying lupus-associated genes.
  • Hormones: Estrogen may contribute to the development of lupus since it is found to be common in women in their prime reproductive period when estrogen levels are high.
  • Immune system problems
  • Severe stress or infection: Extreme stress or chronic infection can trigger lupus in individuals carrying genetic factors.

Treatment for Lupus

medical treatment for lupus

Lupus has no permanent cure yet, but certain treatment modalities can help reduce the severity and frequency of its flare-ups.

Lupus treatment is primarily directed toward:

  • Managing and controlling the symptoms, such as pain and fatigue
  • Slowing down or preventing complications, such as organ damage
  • Preventing flare-ups and possibly putting the disease into complete remission
  • Improving the individual’s overall quality of life (4)

Commonly used medications                 

The following medications are commonly used to manage the symptoms of lupus:

  • Mild cases of lupus can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, and topical cortisone creams if rashes are present.
  • For more moderate cases, anti-malarial medications such as hydroxychloroquine may be used. This drug is quite effective, generally safe, and well-tolerated in most individuals, although rarely, eye toxicity can occur. Therefore, all persons on this medication should be monitored regularly by an eye doctor.
  • Many individuals with lupus need corticosteroids, such as prednisone, but doctors aim to keep the dose as low as possible to avoid harmful side effects. High doses administered in severe cases are usually coupled with immune suppressants.
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a male hormone produced in the adrenal gland, may be beneficial and reduce the need for prednisone. While it is available as an OTC drug, it should not be taken without a prescription.
  • Many individuals with lupus require multiple medications for disease control. Examples of these medications include azathioprine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, belimumab, and cyclophosphamide.
  • Some individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have blood coagulation problems and are at risk for blood clots, pulmonary embolism, and stroke. They typically require blood thinners.
  • Those with lupus nephritis often must be treated very aggressively to prevent kidney failure, while others require treatment primarily guided by symptoms.

Note: The medications mentioned above often come with certain deleterious side effects, which need to be discussed with your doctor to avoid any complications later.

Prednisone, for example, can increase the chances of infection, stretch marks, osteoporosis, weight gain, and high blood pressure, but at the same time, it works quickly to help subside inflammation and thereby prevents organ damage.

Drugs to avoid

Bactrim and Septra are antibiotics that can lead to lupus flare-ups. Therefore, their use must be avoided. They are also known as sulfa antibiotics as they contain sulfonamide in addition to sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim.

These drugs are generally used for the treatment of bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections. However, in individuals with lupus, they can increase sun sensitivity and lower the blood count.

Advertisements

Diagnosing Lupus

diagnosis of lupus

Diagnosing lupus is difficult because no single test can definitively diagnose it. Also, the disease has so many potential manifestations and each affected individual is unique.

  • The diagnosis is made based on several clinical and laboratory criteria. A thorough history and physical examination, blood and urine testing, and sometimes tissue biopsy are required. (5)
  • Laboratory testing is done because an analysis of the presence and pattern of autoantibodies can be very useful in establishing a diagnosis. Additional laboratory studies help rule out the presence of anemia and kidney or liver problems. An elevated sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein indicate systemic inflammation.

Lupus vs. Rosacea

Lupus and rosacea are vastly different and warrant different treatments. While lupus is an autoimmune disorder, rosacea is a chronic skin ailment with no discernible cause but a list of triggers. 

However, both these conditions are often confused with each other since they exhibit many similar symptoms, such as facial redness and photosensitivity.

The risk of misdiagnosis is still very much a concern since there is no concrete way to differentiate between the two.

Most-Asked Questions About Lupus

Can drinking alcohol worsen lupus?

Generally, no, although alcohol should always be consumed in moderation for a variety of health reasons.

Some of the medications used in lupus management may interact adversely with alcohol, so this remains an important consideration.

Advertisements

Can lupus increase your chances of developing cancer?

Yes. There appears to be an increased risk of malignancies in individuals with chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as lupus.

Moreover, some of the medications used to treat lupus, such as azathioprine and cyclophosphamide, are known to increase the risk of cancer. (6)

Does lupus increase the chances of infertility?

Yes. In women, premature ovarian failure may accompany lupus. More commonly, the stress related to the illness contributes to anovulatory cycles and difficulty with conception.

However, many women with lupus are able to become pregnant without much difficulty. In fact, a frequent concern is the best means for birth control for a woman with lupus. (7)(8)

Is lupus fatal?

There is no cure for lupus, but those who have it can lead long, fruitful lives with necessary treatment and regular follow-ups.

The risk of death depends upon various factors, which include the severity of the condition and how well the body responds to the treatments.

Is lupus contagious?

No, none of the different types of lupus are contagious. It is a specific kind of autoimmune disorder that does not spread from person to person.

Risk Factors for Lupus

From children to adults, no one is safe from lupus, but some people have a higher risk of developing it than others. Gender, age, and ethnicity/race can increase the chances of developing lupus.

Advertisements

Common Complications Associated With Lupus

complications of lupus

Lupus and the way it is treated can give rise to several complications:

  • Scarring of the skin
  • Kidney failure
  • Stroke
  • Joint deformities
  • Bone fractures
  • Hip destruction (also called avascular necrosis)
  • Heart attack
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Cataracts

When to See a Doctor

The severity of lupus can range from mild to life-threatening, and only a doctor who specializes in this disease can determine the appropriate course of action for each individual patient.

So, anyone with the slightest inkling of lupus must get prompt and proper medical assistance. Your doctor will educate you about your condition and how to cope with it in the best way possible.

Medical interventions, along with doctor-recommended self-care measures, will help ensure proper functionality, as well as improved quality of life.

Advertisements

In addition to a rheumatologist who is the primary point of contact, you may have to consult a cardiologist, pulmonologist, and nephrologist for the symptoms and complications that occur in the wake of lupus.

What you may ask your doctor
  • Can my symptoms be stemming from more than one condition (disease)?
  • What tests will you conduct to diagnose the problem?
  • How often should I have checkups?
  • What lifestyle changes could help me manage this condition better?
  • Is it possible that my lupus symptoms are being triggered by a medication that I am taking?
  • Is it safe to take lupus medications while pregnant?
What your doctor may ask you
  • When did you first notice your symptoms?
  • Are you experiencing any new symptoms?
  • Is there anything that makes your symptoms better or worse?
  • Have you identified any triggers for your flare-ups?
  • Are the symptoms consistently present, or do they come and go?
  • Do your symptoms interfere with your daily routine?
  • How severe is the pain you are experiencing on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the most painful)?
  • Does anyone in your family have lupus or an autoimmune disease?

Final Word

Given that the symptoms of lupus vary in type and degree across different individuals, no single standard treatment applies to all cases.

Your doctor will first examine your symptoms and accordingly prescribe a mix of different medications that are deemed appropriate for your individual case. This has to be accompanied by proper diet and lifestyle changes.

A majority of lupus cases can be managed with treatment, regular follow-ups, and proper self-care, enabling the affected individual to achieve an average life span.

Continue Reading Continue ReadingTypes of Lupus Disease, Symptoms, and Flare-Ups
References
  1. Somers EC, Marder W, Cagnoli P, et al. Population-based incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus: the Michigan Lupus Epidemiology and Surveillance program. Arthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4198147/. Published February 2014.
  2. Maidhof W, Hilas O. Lupus: an overview of the disease and management options. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3351863/. Published April 2012.
  3. Stojan G, Petri M. Epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus: an update. Current opinion in rheumatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6026543/. Published March 2018.
  4. Ali A, Sayyed Z, Ameer MA, et al. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Overview of the Disease Pathology and Its Management. Cureus. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6235637/. Published September 11, 2018.
  5. Kuhn A, Bonsmann G, Anders H-J, Herzer P, Tenbrock K, Schneider M. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. DeutschesArzteblatt international. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4558874/. Published June 19, 2015.
  6. Song L, Wang Y, Zhang J, Song N, Xu X, Lu Y. The risks of cancer development in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arthritis research & therapy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6282326/. Published December 6, 2018.
  7. Andreoli L, Bertsias GK, Agmon-Levin N, et al. EULAR recommendations for women’s health and the management of family planning, assisted reproduction, pregnancy and menopause in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and/or antiphospholipid syndrome. Annals of the rheumatic diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27457513. Published March 2017.
  8. Hickman RA, Gordon C. Causes and management of infertility in systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford, England). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21652585. Published September 2011.

  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements

You Might Also Like

Nutrition

7 Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit

By Shiza Khan, M.Sc. – Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics

Read more

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health
  • Web Stories

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health
  • Web Stories

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.