Best Doctors for Lupus in Indore

Types/Stages of Lupus

There are four main types of lupus. These include:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: This is the most common and severe form of lupus, affecting various body parts, including the joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels.

• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: This type primarily affects the skin causing rashes, lesions, and inflammation.

• Drug-induced Lupus: This form is triggered by an adverse reaction to certain medications. Symptoms usually subside once the drug is stopped.

• Neonatal Lupus: A rare condition caused by a baby’s exposure to lupus antibodies from a mother with lupus or another autoimmune disorder during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Lupus

The symptoms of lupus vary considerably but some common indications include:

• Persistent fatigue and unexplained fever

• Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling

• A distinctive facial rash in a ‘butterfly’ pattern across the cheeks and nose

• Skin sensitivity to light

• Chest pain while taking a deep breath

• Raynaud’s phenomenon (fingers turning white or blue in the cold or during stress)

Tests to Diagnose Lupus

At Apollo Hospitals in Indore, the doctors for systemic lupus erythematosus use a combination of tests to diagnose lupus. These include:

• Detailed Medical History: This involves assessing symptoms such as joint pain, rashes, fever, fatigue, and sensitivity to sunlight, as well as evaluating family medical history for autoimmune disorders.

• Physical Examination: Doctors look for signs of inflammation, such as joint swelling, skin rashes, lymph node enlargement, and the characteristic “butterfly” rash across the cheeks and nose.

• Antibody Tests: Tests like antinuclear antibodies, anti-double stranded DNA, and anti-Smith antibodies are conducted.

• Kidney and Liver Function Tests: These tests assess the function of the kidneys and liver to detect any damage or inflammation caused by lupus.

• Urinalysis: This test detects protein or red blood cells in the urine, which can indicate kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis).

Treatment or Surgery Options for Lupus at Apollo Hospitals, Indore

The best doctors for lupus treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Indore, recommend a wide range of treatment options, such as:

• Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen help reduce swelling, relieve pain, and alleviate fever.

• Corticosteroids: Medications like prednisone and methylprednisolone rapidly reduce inflammation and are often used for serious organ involvement or severe disease flares.

• Immunosuppressant Drugs: Drugs like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate and methotrexate suppress the overactive immune system.

• Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes like sun protection, a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and getting recommended vaccinations are also important.