Lupus is a disease that can adversely affect the quality of your life for a long period. However, effective management of the condition and its symptoms can help people affected by lupus live a healthy life.
Lupus Flares
Lupus flares vary from mild to serious and can come and go without a set pattern. Your lupus symptoms get worse during flares and you would feel sick. Flares can sometimes happen without any pronounced symptoms. Other times, there can be rashes and swelling for days on end followed by a long period of no symptoms at all. Serious lupus flares can only be managed with professional medical care.
Predicting The Occurrence Of Flares
Lupus flares are often preceded by a feeling of tiredness, dizziness, fever, rashes, stomach ache, headache, etc. You might also experience new symptoms in addition to worsening of the existing symptoms. Lupus flares can be triggered by a number of situations that can vary from one person to another. Not getting enough rest can trigger flares in some, while others may experience the increased occurrence of flares after prolonged exposure to sunlight or intense fluorescent or halogen lights.
Some injuries or infections can also trigger lupus flares. Stopping lupus medicines when flares are rare can be a bad idea since this might trigger new flares. Also, not advisable is changing your medications without the guidance of your doctor, since certain medications can trigger flares in lupus patients.
Controlling The Occurrence Of Lupus Flares
Symptom management should be a major part of your lupus treatment plan. Consulting your doctor on a regular basis and modifying your medications based on the occurrence of symptoms is essential to keep the disease in check. Living long-term with the condition gradually enables you to know when a lupus flare is coming. Taking the possible precautions beforehand can help reduce the intensity of the symptoms.
Getting enough rest and good quality sleep every day is important for people affected by lupus. Also necessary is limiting exposure to sun and other intense lightings such as halogen and fluorescent lights. Despite all this, if you find it difficult to manage the symptoms, make sure to get medical help as early as possible.
Even with timely management of symptoms, lupus can be a debilitating condition that may affect your day-to-day functioning. Having a support system involving people you can rely on is a good way to ensure you have the necessary help in such times.
