What kind of doctor do you see for lupus?

Start by seeing your family doctor and a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in the diseases of joints and muscles such as lupus.

What is the best doctor for lupus?

Many people who have (or suspect they have) lupus see a rheumatologist (or pediatric rheumatologist if a child or teen). This type of doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the joints and muscles.

What does a rheumatologist do for lupus?

As experts in diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatologists can best determine whether a patient has lupus and advise them about treatment options. People with lupus often have symptoms that are not specific to lupus. These include fever, fatigue, weight loss, blood clots and hair loss.

Is lupus treated by an endocrinologist?

Medical Specialists

Endocrinologist: For issues relating to your thyroid, adrenal function, or other endocrine issues. Nephrologist: For issues relating to your kidneys and kidney function, such as lupus nephritis. Gastroenterologist: For digestive tract issues. Hematologist: For issues relating to your blood count.

Can my primary care doctor diagnose lupus?

In some cases, years can pass before a patient gets an accurate diagnosis. In nearly every case, a primary care provider will be the physician who first recognizes the signs and symptoms of lupus in a patient.

Lupus - Signs & Symptoms

What are the 11 markers for lupus?

Does lupus show up in blood work?

No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and physical examination findings leads to the diagnosis.

How does a doctor confirm lupus?

Your doctor will look for rashes and other signs that something is wrong. Blood and urine tests. The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test can show if your immune system is more likely to make the autoantibodies of lupus. Most people with lupus test positive for ANA.

What should you not do if you have lupus?

When should you suspect lupus?

Virtually any symptom of illness or inflammation can signal lupus. However, some of the symptoms most closely associated with lupus include: a butterfly-shaped rash on the face. skin changes and sun sensitivity.

What is a full lupus panel?

A LUPUS blood test includes: Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Direct, Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets (CBC), Urinalysis Complete, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Factor, Sedimentation Rate (ESR), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) High Sensitivity Cardiac Risk, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - 14 tests, Prothrombin ...

Does lupus qualify for disability?

For Social Security's purposes, lupus qualifies as a disability when it meets these conditions: It involves two or more organs or body systems. It includes at least two major signs or symptoms, such as severe fatigue, fever, malaise, and involuntary weight loss.

What are the warning signs of lupus?

What are the four stages of lupus?

What does a lupus flare feel like?

You may experience pain and stiffness, with or without swelling. This affects most people with lupus. Common areas for muscle pain and swelling include the neck, thighs, shoulders, and upper arms. Fever.

What labs are abnormal with lupus?

Low C3 and C4 levels (below 60 for C3 and below 15 for C4 in the usual American measure), occur in active lupus, especially when the kidneys are affected or there is immune breakdown of blood cells (autoimmune hemolytic anemia, AIHA).

Is lupus a rheumatologist or immunologist?

Conditions treated by rheumatologists include: rheumatoid arthritis. lupus.

What is the most common treatment for lupus?

Lupus is mainly treated with medicine. The types of drugs that have been used to treat lupus include NSAIDs, corticosteroids and other immune system suppressing drugs, hydroxychloroquine, and the newest lupus drug, Benlysta.

What organs does lupus damage?

Is lupus a serious diagnosis?

The seriousness of SLE can range from mild to life-threatening. The disease should be treated by a doctor or a team of doctors who specialize in care of SLE patients. People with lupus that get proper medical care, preventive care, and education can significantly improve function and quality of life.

Why is lupus hard to diagnose?

Lupus is a disease that is known for being difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are different from person to person, they mimic the symptoms of many other diseases, and they can come and go. It can sometimes take several years to receive an official diagnosis.

What is the average lifespan of a lupus patient?

With close follow-up and treatment, 80-90% of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life span.

What is the most serious form of lupus?

What are the different types of lupus? There are several different types of lupus: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common and most serious type of lupus. SLE affects all parts of the body.

Do you see a neurologist for lupus?

Different medical specialists (e.g. rheumatologist, neurologist, psychiatrist) and neuropsychologists can find out if your nervous system problems are related to lupus. You may need to have tests, including: Lab tests, like blood tests. Brain scans, like a CT or MRI of your head.

What triggers a lupus flare?

Common triggers include:

Overwork and not enough rest. Being out in the sun or having close exposure to fluorescent or halogen light. Infection. Injury.