Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that requires lifelong management. You can visit Dr Rishabh Nanavati for comprehensive lupus treatment in Mumbai.
Dr Rishabh Nanavati is a competent rheumatologist in Mumbai who works closely with his patients in order to offer them the finest treatment possible in a fast and efficient manner.
He is an expert in diagnosing and treating rheumatological conditions such as osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and lupus in Mumbai.
Before moving forward, let us first understand what lupus is?
Lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune illness that causes swelling and pain throughout the body.
An autoimmune disorder is a condition wherein your body’s immune system, designed to fight off infection, attacks the healthy tissues instead.
Apart from affecting the joints and skin, lupus can affect other body organs such as the heart, kidney, brain, and lungs. Many of your symptoms may come and go in waves, which are referred to as flare-ups.
Systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms might be minimal or non-existent at times, indicating that the disease is in remission. Other times, you may have severe symptoms of the disease that significantly influence your everyday life.
At present, there is no cure for lupus. So Dr Rishabh Nanavati provides treatments that focus on lowering inflammation and relieving symptoms.
What are the different types of lupus?
There are four types of lupus:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) – It is the most common type of lupus that affects the skin, joint, kidney, and lungs. It causes inflammation and tissue damage.
- Cutaneous lupus – This kind of lupus affects only the skin. It causes skin problems such as rashes and sensitivity to the sun.
- Neonatal lupus – It is a rare disorder present in new born infants whose mothers has lupus.
- Drug-induced lupus – Certain medications are to blame for this kind of lupus. The symptoms are mostly similar to those of systemic lupus erythematosus. However, it goes away once you stop medications.
What are the causes of lupus?
While doctors aren’t sure what causes lupus, they believe it is caused by a mix of underlying conditions like:
- Genetics
- Infections
- Environmental factors
- Hormonal changes
- Medications
However, remember, lupus is not contagious.
What are the symptoms of lupus?
If you have lupus, you could experience a wide range of symptoms. The symptoms are not the same for everyone, and they may include:
- Rashes
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Muscle pain
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Hair loss in patches
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Confusion
- Shortness of breath
- Issues with lungs, kidneys, heart
Lupus symptoms can take a long time to develop. Over time, you may notice additional symptoms, and the severity can also alter. It is best to consult the doctor if you suffer from one or more of these symptoms.
How is lupus diagnosed?
During the consultation, Dr Rishabh Nanavati will ask for your medical history and conduct a physical examination. He will inquire about your symptoms, including the length of time you have been experiencing them and whether you have a family history of lupus or other autoimmune disorders.
Furthermore, he may ask you to undergo the following tests before your lupus treatment in Mumbai:
- Urine tests
- Blood tests
- Imaging tests such as echocardiograms and chest x-rays
- Tissue biopsy
Lupus Treatment in Mumbai
While there is no cure for lupus at present, there are drugs that can help you manage your symptoms and prevent flare-ups. When considering lupus treatment, Dr Rishabh Nanavati, a highly qualified rheumatologist in Mumbai, will take into account the severity of your lupus symptoms.
You will have to visit the doctor frequently so that he can keep a close eye on your health and see if your treatment strategy is working to control your symptoms.
Furthermore, the symptoms of lupus can alter over time. As a result, Dr Rishabh Nanavati may change your prescriptions or adjust the dosage of your present ones. He may also suggest lifestyle adjustments in addition to medicine.
Medications can aid in the treatment of lupus symptoms in a variety of ways, including:
- Immune system relaxation
- Lowering the amount of inflammation, you are dealing with
- Assisting in the prevention of joint or internal organ damage
The lupus medications include the following:
- Antimalarial medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Immunosuppressive drugs
- Corticosteroids
- Biologics
It is critical to keep track of how your medications are affecting your symptoms. Inform your doctor if your medicine produces side effects or is no longer effective in treating your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, death is triggered by lupus’ symptoms and organ damage rather than the disease itself. Kidney disease, infections, and cardiovascular disease can all be fatal. But on a positive note, 80-90% of people who have lupus will have an average lifespan.
- Get regular exercise
- Eat a balanced diet
- Avoid excess sun exposure
- Take vitamin supplements
- Quit smoking
It is possible for women with lupus to become pregnant. However, there is a chance of miscarriage. If you are thinking about having a baby in the future, schedule a preconception appointment with your doctor several months ahead of time. To determine that your lupus drugs are safe for pregnancy, your doctor may need to alter them.