Lupus causes systemic inflammation that can affect many organs. It also occurs 10 times more frequently in women than men. Dr. Guillermo Valenzuela and Dr. Marilu Colon at Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists are experts in helping patients affected by the complex symptoms of lupus. To learn whether your symptoms may be due to lupus, call the office in Plantation, Florida, or book an appointment online.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect your joints and any organ system in your body, causing a wide range of symptoms. When you have an autoimmune disease, immune system antibodies can’t tell the difference between harmful substances and your own body. As a result, they attack cells and tissues, resulting in inflammation that causes damage and leads to symptoms.
There are several types of lupus:
Fatigue, fever, and joint pain are usually the earliest symptoms of SLE. Many patients also develop a characteristic butterfly-shaped rash on their face -- covering the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
Other common symptoms include headaches and skin lesions due to photosensitivity. No matter what symptoms you experience, they usually follow a course where they appear, go away, and then you relapse and have symptoms again
Over time SLE may cause any of the following, depending on which body system is affected:
SLE is a chronic disease, so the goal of treatment is to keep it in remission. Flare-ups often occur in response to environmental triggers such as sunlight, so your doctor works with you to identify your personal triggers.
Your treatment depends on the organs affected and the severity of your symptoms, but examples of SLE treatment options include:
If you have any questions or concerns about your symptoms, or you have lupus and need expert medical management, call Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists or use online booking to schedule an appointment.
