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NEW TREATMENT FOR PEOPLE WHO SUFFER FROM LUPUS
Recent studies reveal that there are more than 500,000 Americans who suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), more commonly known as lupus, a chronic disease which involves a malfunction in the body’s immune system. While there is still no known cure, medical research has made significant progress in diagnosis and potential treatment. And even though the exact cause(s) of lupus are as yet unknown, the advances made by researchers have led to the development of more effective treatments which can help reduce the effects that lupus has on some sufferers.
Experts say that there seem to be many things which can “trigger” a flare-up of lupus symptoms, wherein the disease affects the body in a more intense manner. Stress appears to play a major role in triggering a flare-up of lupus symptoms, with stress-related fatigue and the adverse effects of sunburn to the body being frequent factors. However, since each individual is unique, the triggers of a lupus flare-up cannot be overly generalized.
The latest research reveals that sufferers of lupus can help avoid, or at least minimize the number and severity of lupus flare-ups by learning more about their individual triggers. Once you have discovered your own unique triggers, you can take steps to “head them off”. You can protect yourself from excessive exposure to the sun, and try to avoid stressful situations. Try not to exert yourself, either physically or mentally, to the point that you become overtired. You do have a certain amount of control simply by being aware of what triggers your lupus flare-ups and doing everything you can to avoid them.
In some cases, drugs may trigger a lupus flare-up. If that occurs, altering the dosage, or stopping the medication altogether usually alleviates the flare. The key in this type of self-treatment is to recognize your triggers and in being alert to any warning signs that might indicate that a flare-up is imminent. Some common warning signs include a low-grade fever with no known cause, weakness and/or excessive fatigue, and, in some cases, frequent chills.
Currently, the most effective general treatment of lupus involves adjusting one’s general lifestyle to accommodate specific changes in both behavior and activity to avoid possible flare ups; learning how to control emotions which could lead to added stress; medication to help suppress specific symptoms: and the maintenance of a healthful diet which provides essential nutritional needs. It is important to remember however, that each individual has his or her own unique symptoms and specific reactions to lupus.
When your doctor sets up a treatment program for you, it is based on your individual needs.
In order to cope with lupus, the best advice may be to learn all you can about the disease by talking to medical professionals and doing as much research as you can. There are several books dedicated to the discussion of lupus, and one of the best source books on the subject is Coping With Lupus by Robert H. Phillips, Ph.D (Avery Publishing Group, New York, 1991). Another good source is Understanding Lupus by H. Aladjem (Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1985).
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