Health Topics A-Z

How Do I Know If I Have Lupus?

It's not easy to recognize lupus right away. Lupus symptoms mimic those of other diseases — and the symptoms vary from one patient to another.

Your doctor will first attempt to rule out other diseases. These include other connective-tissue diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis), infections, and cancer.

Tests your doctor may perform include:

• A complete blood count. Your doctor will look for reduced numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.
• A test for antinuclear antibodies, a sign of autoimmune disease.
• A test for levels of immune substances called C3 and C4 complement. These often are low in patients with active lupus.
• A test for anti-DNA antibodies. This shows whether your immune system is attacking the genetic material of normal cells. It's the most definitive test for lupus.

What Are the Treatments?
Lupus is unpredictable and thus difficult to control. However, close self-monitoring and proper treatment usually helps. Patients are often treated by specialists in rheumatology.

There are a number of treatment options:

• For milder cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin can be used to relieve joint pain.
• Stubborn rashes and more severe joint pain may respond to hydroxychloroquine, a drug also used to treat malaria.
• A short course of corticosteroids, usually called "steroids," reduces inflammation and fever and is recommended for flare-ups.
• Cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy drug that suppresses the immune system, may be used for severe cases of lupus that cause kidney damage.
• Antidepressants and mild anti-anxiety drugs can help with the sleeping problems that frequently accompany the disease.
• Mild skin rashes can be treated with over-the-counter corticosteroid creams. Thicker rashes may require prescription steroid creams or steroid injections.

Nutrition, Herbs, and Supplements
Proper nutrition is important for people with lupus. Talk to a nutritionist to create a personalized eating plan.

A diet low in fat and high in essential fatty acids, with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, promotes general health and may decrease pain. Fish fats, from either deep-water fish (such as sardines, salmon, tuna, mackerel, and trout) or fish oil capsules, may lessen joint pain.

Taking a multivitamin daily, while no substitute for a healthy and balanced diet, will help ensure that you get the nutrients you need.

Exercise
Rest eases the fatigue of lupus. But it's just as important to get appropriate exercise, particularly swimming and walking. Exercise increases muscle strength, eases joint stiffness, helps control weight, and helps in the prevention of bone loss. It also reduces stress and improves your outlook on life. Work with your doctor to create a fitness program well suited to your needs and abilities.

© 2005 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.