Ask the Experts: Q&A Archive
Welcome to the Q&A archive for our popular Ask the Experts section. To more quickly find what you're looking for, questions and answers have been grouped into topical categories.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies
Antiphospholipid antibodies interfere with the normal function of blood vessels. They typically cause two kinds problems to include narrowing and irregularity of the blood vessels (vasculopathy) and blood clots in the blood vessel (thrombosis). The two most commonly measured kinds include lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies. The questions in this section deal with the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Antiphospholipid antibodies.
Drug Induced Lupus Erythematosus
Drug-induced lupus erythematosus is a side-effect of long-term use of certain medications. In this section we will deal with questions about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Drug Induced Lupus.
General Questions about Lupus
This section will cover questions that don't fall into any of the specific areas listed here. Questions about diet, exercise, blood disorders, laboratory testing, alternative therapies and many other topics can be found in this section.
Immune Suppressants Used for Lupus
Although immunosuppressive drugs can have serious side effects, they can be of great value in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They may help to prolong life, preserve kidney function, reduce disease symptoms, reduce damage to vital organs, such as the kidneys and lungs and sometimes even serve to put the disease into remission. Questions in section will address the types of immunosuppressive drugs and possible side effects.
Kidney Disease and Lupus
The two medical terms for the kidney disease that occurs in systemic lupus erythematosus are lupus nephritis or lupus glomerulonephritis. It is estimated that about one-third of people with lupus will develop nephritis that requires medical evaluation and treatment. Lupus nephritis is an important and potentially serious symptom of lupus. This section will cover questions about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of lupus nephritis.
Laboratory Tests
If an individual has several physical symptoms that are suggestive of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, the physician will usually order a series of tests to examine the functioning of the individual’s immune system. In general, physicians look for evidence of auto-antibodies. Although there is not one test that can definitely say whether or not a person has lupus, there are many laboratory tests which aid the physician in making a lupus diagnosis.
Lupus in Men
Although less common in men, the effects of lupus are no less devastating. This section features questions about how lupus affects the health and lives of men.
Lupus in "Overlap" With Other Connective Tissue Diseases
Although lupus most often occurs alone, many people with lupus also have symptoms characteristic of one or more of the other connective tissue diseases. In this circumstance, a physician may use the term "overlap" to describe the illness. Questions concerning how other connective tissue diseases can effect the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of lupus.
Medications
Medications play an important role in the care of most people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This section will deal with questions on the principal drugs used in the primary management of lupus.
The Nervous System in Lupus
Although nervous system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is unclear and controversial, people with lupus do often experience signs associated with the body's nervous system. Questions dealing with physical and emotional issues that can occur in those with lupus will be answered in this section.
There are no questions at this time.
Pediatric Lupus
Caring for a child with lupus is one of the greatest challenges a family can face. After the diagnosis is made, the first step for every parent is to learn as much as possible about the disease and the special needs of a child with lupus. Parents need to educate the child with lupus and their other children plus their child's teachers, and family friends. Questions dealing with the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of lupus in children will be addressed in this section.
Pregnancy and Lupus
Since lupus primarily affects young women, pregnancy often becomes a crucial question. Questions on prenatal, pregnancy and postpartum care will be addressed in this section.
Women's Issues & Lupus
This section on women’s health issues and lupus will address a wide variety questions such as breast augmentation when you have lupus, sexuality and intercourse, annual exams and mammograms. Also questions about hormone replacement therapy and the use of oral contraceptives.
Your Skin and Lupus
Skin disease -- also called cutaneous disease -- is very common in lupus erythematosus (LE). Only joint pain (arthritis) is more common. People with lupus can develop many different types of skin lesions and problems. Questions dealing with the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of discoid lupus and skin related issues with lupus will be addressed in this section.
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