Lupus

Lupus affects 1.5 million people in the United States and at least five million people worldwide. At Rheumatology East, with locations in Germantown and Jackson, Tennessee, board-certified rheumatologist Bradley Postlethwaite, MD, diagnoses and treats lupus to ease joint pain, fatigue, and other troublesome symptoms. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today. 

What is lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that causes your body’s immune system to damage its own tissues and organs. Its inflammation can affect the joints, skin, brain, lungs, heart, kidneys, blood, and more. 

However, when effectively managed, you can help eliminate unpleasant lupus symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. See Dr. Postlethwaite at the first sign of lupus or another autoimmune disease.

Which symptoms can lupus cause?

Lupus may lead to the following symptoms:

• Muscle pain
• Joint discomfort, stiffness, or swelling
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• Fever
• Butterfly-shaped facial rash
• Mouth sores
• Hair loss
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Swollen glands
• Blood clots
• Confusion
• Arm, leg, or face swelling
• Dry eyes or light sensitivity 
• Seizures
• Skin lesions
• Toes or fingers that turn blue or white 

Symptoms vary depending on the organs affected by lupus. Symptoms typically come and go (flare-ups). Complications that could develop as a result of lupus include depression, anemia, osteoporosis, kidney disease, heart disease, cancer, infections, or Raynaud’s syndrome. 

What increases the risk of lupus?

Examples of lupus risk factors include:

• Sunlight exposure
• Some medications
• Infections
• Being female
• Asian, African American, Native American, or Hispanic descent
• Genetic mutations
• Hormonal changes
• Pollution
• Smoking
• Stress
• Family history of lupus

However, the exact cause of lupus isn’t known. It’s often diagnosed between ages 15 and 45.

How is lupus diagnosed?

Diagnosing lupus requires a physical examination, a review of your symptoms and medical history, a discussion of your medications, and blood or urine testing. 

You might need X-rays, an echocardiogram, a biopsy, or other diagnostic tests to detect or rule out similar conditions and determine if you have any tissue or organ damage. Dr. Postlethwaite then customizes a treatment that offers a superior, long-lasting outcome.

How is lupus treated?

Your personalized lupus treatment plan may include one or more of the following:

• Over-the-counter medicines
• Prescription medications
• Corticosteroid injections 
• Biologics
• Avoiding sun exposure
• Getting enough sleep
• Staying active
• Not smoking
• Healthy dietary changes 
• Dietary supplements
• Acupuncture
• Stress reduction 

It’s important to adopt healthy habits and see Dr. Postlethwaite routinely to effectively manage lupus symptoms and reduce your risk of severe medical problems. He may refer you to another specialist as needed for any lupus-related complications.

Schedule a lupus evaluation at Rheumatology East by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.