Lupus, clinically known as systemic lupus erythematosus, is an autoimmune disease that often mimics other rheumatic conditions. Patients who suffer from lupus typically present with extreme fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes.
Lupus is a complex condition that is often difficult to diagnose. Our Rheumatologists here are well-versed in their field and work together to diagnose and manage even the most complex set of symptoms. For lupus treatment, Brisbane residents can contact our specialists today.
What is lupus?
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects multiple organ systems. The disease has many forms, resulting in varying presentations amongst patients, from skin rashes to severe nervous system involvement.
What are the symptoms of lupus?
Lupus is a multisystemic disease, meaning that it can affect many parts of the body. People with lupus may present with different symptoms based on the organs and tissues affected. The organs and tissues that lupus may affect include:
- Joints
- Skin
- Blood vessels
- Lungs
- Heart
- Brain
- Kidneys
The most common symptoms of lupus are as follows:
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Muscle ache
- Rashes (butterfly rash on the face)
- Skin growths
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic dry eyes and mouth
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Anaemia (low number of red blood cells)
Although lupus can affect many parts of the body, most people usually have involvement of only a few parts. People with more severe forms of lupus can have more severe life-threatening problems and organ damage.
Sensitivity to light
We’ve all been told to try and protect ourselves when under sunlight. However, people with lupus have photosensitivity - a condition that makes them more vulnerable to damage following sun exposure. Excess exposure to sunlight can exacerbate symptoms and make matters worse. If you have lupus, we recommend you wear protective clothing and always use sunscreen.
A butterfly rash is one of the characteristic symptoms of lupus.
What causes lupus?
An autoimmune condition, as per lupus and many other rheumatic conditions, is a disease during which your body’s immune system starts attacking healthy tissues. The exact cause of lupus, however, is relatively unknown. Healthcare workers suggest that the cause is multifactorial and may be a combination of any of the following factors:
- Environmental triggers - exposure to certain environmental factors such as stress, smoking, and toxins is believed to contribute to the cause of lupus.
- Genetics - over 50 genes have been identified as being associated with lupus, most of which involve encoding the proteins of the immune system.
- Sex - the female sex is seen as a significant risk factor for lupus.
- Medications - Several medications such as hydralazine and procainamide have been associated with lupus. Other drugs such as sulfa-drugs are well-known for causing lupus flare-ups.
However, as mentioned above, the cause of lupus is still relatively unknown. You may still have lupus regardless of whether or not any of the above factors have affected you.
How do you diagnose lupus?
Diagnosing lupus can be challenging as there is no single clinical test that can confirm SLE. To diagnose lupus, our Rheumatologists complete a clinical examination to assess your symptoms and carry out an appropriate laboratory workup involving blood tests and medical imaging.
Treatment of lupus
Firstly, you must be wary of any products that claim that they can cure lupus. There is no cure for lupus. Instead, lupus treatments aim to suppress symptoms and prevent any further organ damage.
To choose the right treatment for you, your Rheumatologist will work with you to understand which organs or organ systems are affected and how severe your condition is. The following medications can be used for treatment:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) - these can usually be purchased over the counter and help control symptoms and reduce inflammation.
- Cytotoxic drugs - biologics or immunosuppressants may be used to treat a more severe case of lupus.
- Corticosteroids - oral steroids may be used to control inflammation.
In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle interventions have been shown to significantly reduce symptoms and alleviate discomfort caused by lupus. People who suffer from lupus can try to implement the following lifestyle strategies:
- Stop smoking
- Reduce stress
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Adopt a healthy diet (rich in vitamin D)
- Carry out regular exercise
- Wear regular UV-protective clothing
With close follow-up and ensuring that your treatment is consistently reviewed and modified according to your specific needs, most people who suffer from lupus can expect to live a full and active life.
The symptoms of lupus are non-specific, and as a result, several different types of tests are required to confirm a diagnosis.
How much does lupus treatment cost in Brisbane, Australia?
The cost of lupus treatment varies considerably depending on the severity and complexity of your condition. The cost of your treatment will factor in the cost of your appointment(s) with your Rheumatologist and any medications that will be needed. Certain medications are cheaper than others. For an estimate of possible costs involved in yoru treatment, we recommend you contact us to arrange an appointment.
Rashes are a typical symptom of lupus.
Why Choose Rheumatology.com.au?
We pride ourselves on providing a team of Rheumatologists who are all experts within their fields. Our team works together, ensuring that they use their combined knowledge and skill to tackle all challenging complexities of symptoms and presentations they come across.
Meet our experts
in rheumatic diseases
Meet our expert team below. They pride themselves on their ability to provide a holistic approach to patient care, ensuring that each and every individual receives a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
Dr Peter Landsberg
MBBS (Hons), DipRACOG, FRACGP, FRACP
Peter founded rheumatology.com.au in 2016. He is a specialist Rheumatologist with a keen interest in treating inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue disorders. His earlier years spent as a General Practitioner allow him to offer a uniquely holistic approach to patient care. He also has a strong commitment to being involved in training upcoming Rheumatologists.
Dr Clare Owens
MBBS, BSc, FRACP
Clare has a passion for research. She completed her rheumatology training in Queensland and was awarded the prestigious Arthritis Australia International Research Grant, which allowed her to undertake research at the University of Leeds in the UK, a recognised European Rheumatology Centre of Excellence. Her specific areas of interest include osteoarthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, gout and connective tissue diseases such as lupus.
Dr Sergei Grosman
MBBS, BSc, FRACP
Sergei completed advanced training in General and Acute Care Medicine in 2018, after which he pursued his strong interest in Rheumatology. He spent his training years in hospitals in Sydney, Brisbane and across Queensland. Sergei has a keen interest in all aspects of rheumatology and works closely with his patients to provide an individualised approach to care.
Dr Louise McCormack
MBBS (Hons), BSc, FRACP
Louise holds fellowships from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in both General Medicine and Rheumatology and has been expertly practising as a Rheumatologist for over 12 years. In addition to her role at rheumatology.com.au, she provides her consultant specialist expertise to the Princess Alexandra Hospital and QEII Hospital Rheumatology Clinics in Brisbane.
Dr Maryam Zia
MBBS, MD, FRACP
Maryam specialised in 2019 after having completed her initial training at the University of Punjab in Pakistan. She completed her advanced training at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane and at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. She is interested in all aspects of inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
Dr Joseph O'Callaghan
MBBS, BSc, FRACP
Dr Joseph O'Callaghan is a consultant in adult general rheumatology. He is a visiting Rheumatologist at the Mater Adult Hospital. He undertook his rheumatology training in Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney and in Edmonton, Canada. He completed an MD on the anti-inflammatory effects of methotrexate while a Spurway Fellow in Rheumatology at the Royal North Shore Hospital. Dr O'Callaghan has an interest in all aspects of rheumatology care.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any more questions regarding lupus, take a look at the section below.
There is no cure for lupus as of yet. Instead, treatment is available to suppress symptoms and control your condition.
If left untreated or managed incorrectly, lupus can be life-threatening.
Lupus flare-ups can be triggered by stress, infection, non-compliance with medication, exposure to sunlight, and excess trauma to the body through injury or pregnancy.
Make
an enquiry
