Take Action During Lupus Awareness Month
May is Lupus Awareness Month, a crucial time to shed light on this complex autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the body. Read on to delve deeper into understanding lupus and what to do when you recognize symptoms.
“Lupus can give rise to symptoms that involve every organ in the body, from hair follicles to the tip of the toe,” says Dr. Virginia Pascual, Gale and Ira Drukier Director of the Gale and Ira Drukier Institute for Children’s Health at Weill Cornell Medicine and Ronay Menschel Professor of Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College. “Because of this, it’s difficult to diagnose.”
Who’s at Risk and What are the Signs?
Approximately 1.5 million Americans currently live with lupus. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, 90 percent of people with lupus are women, and the condition often arises during the childbearing years. However, the condition can affect anyone at any age, causing pediatric lupus or onset after age 50.
To date, there is no cure for lupus, but there is hope for those living with it. Lupus Awareness Month aims to raise awareness and spur lupus research and education that may eventually lead to a cure.
In the meantime, it’s important to seek evaluation if you experience lupus symptoms, which include:
- Arthritis
- Butterfly rash (rash that spreads across the nose and cheeks)
- Chest pain while breathing deeply
- Confusion or memory problems
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Headaches
- Sun sensitivity
Lupus doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms. When the disease affects unseen organs, it may cause significant damage before symptoms occur. Additionally, your symptoms may come and go or mimic other conditions, making the diagnostic journey more difficult.
Lupus Awareness Leads to Diagnosis and Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no single test to detect lupus. A diagnosis depends on several factors, which your primary care provider or rheumatologist uncovers with in-depth screening.
“When we encounter a person with lupus,” Dr. Pascual says, “the first thing that needs to happen is a very thorough examination of every organ system in the body.”
Along your diagnostic journey, you may undergo the following:
- Discussion. You talk with your health provider about your medical history and current and previous symptoms.
- Exam. Your health provider performs a complete physical exam to identify any potential issues caused by lupus.
- Lab tests. Blood tests help detect abnormalities associated with lupus. These abnormalities include low white or red blood cells or platelets, the presence of specific antibodies and changes in kidney function. Urine tests help detect abnormal protein levels common with lupus.
- Skin or kidney sample. If other tests point to a kidney problem, a biopsy can provide clarity. During a biopsy, your care provider removes a skin or kidney tissue sample. Laboratory experts then review the sample for signs of lupus or another disease.
If lupus is confirmed, a custom treatment plan can help reduce symptoms, protect against organ damage and enhance your quality of life. Medication and lifestyle changes are typically prescribed. At Weill Cornell Medicine, experienced rheumatologists collaborate with cardiologists, dermatologists, neurologists and other specialists to provide comprehensive care and improve lupus awareness.
“I’m very optimistic about the current and future state of lupus care,” Dr. Pascual says. “I expect in the next 10 years we will witness several new drugs that help control the disease with fewer side effects.”
Are you or a loved one living with lupus? The expert, multidisciplinary team at Weill Cornell Medicine can help manage your symptoms and maximize your quality of life. Find a doctor today.