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Health Information
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Saturday, November 22, 2008
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| Patient
Information Sheet #4, Preventing a Lupus Flare |
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Your
doctor has put together a treatment plan that is designed
specifically for you and your lupus. This probably includes
physical and emotional rest, aggressive treatment of infections,
good nutrition, and avoidance of direct sunlight and other
sources of ultraviolet light. Your doctor may have also
prescribed medications to control disease symptoms and
other health problems that you might have. One of the
most important ways you can help yourself is to understand
your treatment plan and the things you need to do to keep
your disease under control.
Sometimes,
despite the treatment plan and your efforts, you may experience
a lupus flare. A flare is a worsening of symptoms that
signals increased disease activity. A variety of factors
can cause a flare, and you should contact your doctor
immediately if you suspect a flare is developing. The
doctor will evaluate your condition and take steps to
control the seriousness of the flare. He or she will also
reevaluate your overall treatment plan and make any needed
changes.
Warning Signs of a Flare
- Increased
fatigue
- A
new or higher fever
- Increased
pain
- Development
or worsening of a rash
- Upset
stomach
- Headache
or dizziness
- Development
of symptoms you haven t had before
What Triggers a Flare?
A flare can be triggered by one factor or a combination
of factors.
The most common are
- overwork
or not enough rest;
- stress
or an emotional crisis;
- exposure
to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet light;
- infection;
- injuries
or surgery;
- pregnancy
or the time right after the baby s birth (the postpartum
period);
- sudden
stopping of medications for lupus;
- sensitivities
or allergies to items that you put on your skin, such
as hair dye, hair permanent solution, makeup, and skin
creams;
- certain
prescription drugs;
- over-the-counter
medications, such as cough syrup or laxatives; and
- immunization
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Caring
For Yourself
- Learn
to recognize the warning signals of a flare and
tell your doctor about them.
- Maintain
your physical health. Be sure to visit your doctor
regularly, even if you are feeling well. Schedule
regular dental, eye, and gynecological exams.
- Get
enough sleep and rest. Be flexible with your schedule
of daily activities.
- Try
to limit your stress. Because this may be hard
to do at times, consider developing a plan for
dealing with potentially stressful situations.
Develop a support system that includes family,
friends, medical or nursing professionals, community
organizations, and support groups. Remember, it
helps to talk to someone when you re feeling
stressed.
- Participate
in a well-planned exercise program to help you
maintain physical fitness and reduce stress.
- Eat
a healthy diet.
- Limit
your exposure to the sun and other sources of
ultraviolet light, such as fluorescent or halogen
lights.
- Tell
your doctor right away about any injury, illness,
or infection or if you do not feel well in any
way.
- Delay
elective surgery (including dental surgery and
teeth pulling) until your lupus is under control
or in remission.
- Lupus
may cause problems for a pregnant woman and her
baby. As a result, women with lupus should carefully
plan any pregnancy. Do not stop using your method
of birth control until you have discussed the
possibility of pregnancy with your doctor and
he or she has determined that you are healthy
enough to become pregnant.
- Talk
with your doctor before you stop taking any prescribed
medications.
- Check
with your doctor or nurse before taking any over-the-counter
medications.
- Be
careful when trying any over-the-counter preparations
used on your skin or scalp. First, determine whether
you have a sensitivity or an allergy to it. Put
a small amount of the preparation on the inside
of your forearm or on the back of your ear. If
any redness, rash, raised areas, itching, or pain
develops, do not use the preparation.
- Be
aware that certain prescription drugs may trigger
a flare. Tell any doctor, nurse, or health care
professional you visit that you have lupus. Also
tell your lupus doctor or nurse if any new medications
have been prescribed for you.
- Be
sure to check with your lupus doctor before receiving
any immunization. Routine immunizations, including
those for the flu and pneumonia, are an important
part of maintaining your health, and you should
get them if your doctor approves.
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ADDITIONAL
NOTES
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| From
LUPUS: A Patient Care Guide for Nurses and Other Health
Professionals, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases/National Institutes of Health |
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Patient
Information Sheet #4
Patient Information Sheets |
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Outline Credits Acknowledgments Introduction
1. Erythematosus 2. Advances 3. Tests 4. Care 5. Medications
6. Psychosocial Aspects 7. Patient Info. 8. Resources
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National
Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
(NIAMS)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2350
January 26,
1999
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