Best Doctors for Lupus in Mysore

Types/Stages of Lupus

There are four main types of lupus. These include:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: This is the most common and serious type of lupus, affecting multiple organs in the body including joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may flare up intermittently.

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

• Drug-induced Lupus: This form is triggered by certain medications, and symptoms typically resolve once the medication is stopped.

• Neonatal Lupus: A rare condition where infants are affected by lupus antibodies transferred from the mother during pregnancy. It can cause skin rash, liver problems, or low blood cell counts in newborns.

Symptoms of Lupus

The most common symptoms of lupus include:

• Joint pain and swelling

• Unexplained fatigue and weakness

• Fever higher than 100°F

• Skin rashes, especially a butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks

• Chest pain during deep breathing

• Hair loss

• Pale or purple fingers or toes in response to cold

• Sensitivity to sunlight

• Sores in the mouth or nose

Tests to Diagnose Lupus

The doctors for systemic lupus erythematosus at Apollo Hospitals, Mysore use the following tests to diagnose the condition:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Doctors evaluate symptoms, their onset, and any family history of autoimmune diseases.

• Antinuclear Antibody Test: A positive ANA test suggests the presence of autoimmune activity, although it does not confirm lupus.

• Complete Blood Count: This helps in detecting lupus, as the disease causes low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

• Kidney and Liver Function Tests: These tests help determine if lupus is affecting these organs.

• Urine Tests: This checks for the presence of protein or red blood cells in the urine, which are signs of kidney damage.

• Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays or echocardiograms may be used to check for lung or heart problems related to lupus.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Lupus at Apollo Hospitals, Mysore

The best doctors for lupus treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Mysore offer the following treatment options:

• Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Medications like NSAIDs help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms like joint pain and fever.

• Antimalarial Drugs: Drugs such as hydroxychloroquine are often used to treat skin rashes, joint pain, and prevent flares.

• Corticosteroids: Drugs like prednisone rapidly reduce inflammation and suppress immune responses, especially for severe organ involvement.

• Immunosuppressants: Drugs like azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil 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.