Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system, which normally protects the body from infections, mistakenly attacks healthy tissue and organs.
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, an estimated 1.5 million Americans are living with lupus. About 9 out of 10 cases occur in women, usually during the childbearing years of 15-44.
In observance of World Lupus Day on May 10, UAB Medicine rheumatologist Jose Rubio Mosquera, M.D., answers some common questions about the disease and highlights the ManageMyLupus app, which can help patients manage their condition.
What causes lupus?
The exact cause of lupus is not known. Researchers believe it develops from a combination of factors related to genetics, hormones, immune system changes, infections, and environmental triggers such as sunlight.
What are the symptoms of lupus?
Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, rashes, fatigue, fever, kidney problems, chest pain, and sensitivity to sunlight. However, lupus can affect many parts of the body, and symptoms can vary widely from person to person.
How is lupus diagnosed?
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose, because symptoms vary from person to person and can resemble those seen with other health conditions. Doctors diagnose lupus by looking at a combination of symptoms, medical history, physical exam findings, and lab results. Lupus is diagnosed quickly in some people, but for others it may take longer, as symptoms can appear gradually and change over time.
How is lupus treated?
Lupus treatment is personalized depending on symptoms, which organs are involved, and how active the disease is. The goals of treatment are to manage symptoms, control inflammation, prevent flareups, protect organs, and improve quality of life. Common lupus treatments include medications, targeted immune system therapies, and lifestyle changes.
When should I see a lupus specialist?
You should consider seeing a lupus specialist if you:
- Have common lupus symptoms
- Have been diagnosed with lupus but need more specialized care
- Have a major organ that’s affected by lupus
- Are not improving with standard treatment
You should seek care immediately if you develop symptoms such as:
- Chest pain
- Breathing trouble
- Severe headache
- Confusion
- A new weakness
- Seizure-like symptoms
- Severe swelling in the body
- A noticeable decrease in urination
- Blood in the urine
Why should I choose UAB Medicine for my lupus care?
UAB Medicine has a multi-specialty team that is experienced in treating common and more complex forms of the disease. Our care focuses on long-term management, education, and support for patients and their families.
The UAB Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology is consistently ranked among the top 12 clinical rheumatology programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. As one of the largest academic rheumatology programs in the nation, the Division evaluates and treats over 10,000 patients annually with lupus and other diseases that affect connective tissue.
Also, UAB Medicine is designated as a Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN) Center of Excellence and has partnerships with other institutions to help advance understanding of lupus and improve future treatment options. As a leader in lupus research and care, UAB may be able to offer promising new treatments not available at other medical centers.
What is the ManageMyLupus app?
At UAB Medicine, we want patients to feel supported not only during clinic visits but also between visits. With that in mind, UAB partnered with 15 other leading lupus programs across the country to develop a free app that can help patients track symptoms, stay organized with medications, and take a more active role in their lupus care.
Among other functions, the app prompts users to ask their providers specific questions about their condition and how it should be managed, which can lead to more shared decision-making and more personalized lupus care. The app can be downloaded from the app store for your mobile device.
Learn more about lupus care at UAB Medicine.