Lupus is an autoimmune illness that may trigger irritation and ache all through the physique. There’s no remedy for lupus, however it may be managed and handled.
Lupus therapy targets
Handle signs
Lupus signs like muscle ache, fever, rashes, fatigue, hair loss and eye issues can intervene with day by day life.
Cut back irritation
The irritation brought on by lupus can have an effect on many elements of the physique, together with your joints, pores and skin, kidneys, blood cells, mind, coronary heart and lungs.
Stop flares
Flares might be delicate, or they are often critical sufficient to disrupt — and even threaten — your life.
Decrease organ injury
Lupus could cause main, irreversible injury to the kidneys, lungs and different organs.
Lupus flares can improve an individual’s threat of organ injury.
Varieties of lupus therapy
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs) — used to scale back irritation, ache and fever
- Steroids — work rapidly to reduce ache and irritation by curbing overactive white blood cells
- Antimalarials (medicine used to deal with malaria) — management signs and flares by decreasing proteins within the blood that assault wholesome cells
- B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) protein inhibitor — a sort of drug generally known as a biologic that will cut back the variety of irregular B cells considered an issue for individuals with lupus
- Immunosuppressives (together with some chemotherapy medicine) — assist cease your immune system from attacking your physique’s wholesome tissue
- Way of life modifications — staying out of the solar and decreasing stress can assist maintain your signs below management
Issues associated to lupus may have their very own therapies, reminiscent of:
- Antibiotics for infections
- Statins for top ldl cholesterol
- Anticonvulsants for seizures
- Vitamin D for kidney issues
Managing lupus
Some way of life modifications can assist maintain your lupus below higher management.
Defend your self from the solar
Decrease your stress
Get good sleep
Carry out low-impact bodily exercise
Don’t smoke
Discovering the best therapy
Lupus is an advanced sickness that impacts everybody in a different way. So, it’s essential for scientists to continue to learn about and growing therapies for lupus.
It’s additionally essential so that you can advocate for your self. Speak to your healthcare supplier about growing an individualized therapy plan that can assist you dwell your greatest life.
This academic useful resource was created with help from Novartis, a 2023 HealthyWomen Company Advisory Council member.