Symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus recurrence

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease primarily characterized by multi-system damage and damage to multiple organs, and it is a chronic disease, meaning it cannot be cured but only controlled through medication to manage the symptoms, prevent relapses, and delay complications. Exposure to cold, fatigue, or prolonged ultraviolet radiation can trigger a relapse of the disease. The clinical manifestations of a relapse may include an increase in skin rashes compared to before, or the emergence of low-grade fever and fatigue, or joint pain, which should be taken as warning signs. Moreover, some individuals may experience severe swelling of both lower limbs, a clinical indication. Key diagnostic indicators in clinical examinations include the titers of autoimmune antibodies, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and the levels of complement C3 and C4, which are used to comprehensively determine whether the disease has relapsed.

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Written by Li Jing
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What to do about hair loss from systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multi-system, multi-damage autoimmune disease, primarily manifesting in the skin and mucous membranes. Some individuals may also experience low-grade fever and hair loss, even severe hair loss. If treatment has already commenced and hair loss continues during the treatment process, it is necessary to consider whether the medication dosage is insufficient and to consider adjusting the medication dosage. If medication has been discontinued and severe hair loss reoccurs, the first consideration should be whether there is a recurrence of active disease, necessitating a visit to the hospital for tests including a complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, complement levels, and autoimmune antibodies to comprehensively assess whether the disease has relapsed. If the disease has relapsed, it is necessary to reintroduce steroids, adjust medication dosages, and combine the use of hydroxychloroquine to control the disease. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What department should I go to for systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease and can test positive for multiple antibodies, affecting various organs throughout the body. Its primary manifestations are damage to the skin, mucous membranes, and kidneys. The most common and characteristic symptom is the butterfly rash on the skin and mucous membranes. Some people may also experience facial rashes, blisters, and even chilblain-like changes. Such skin changes should be viewed with caution. Additionally, symptoms can include general weakness and low-grade fever. This condition requires formal treatment from a rheumatology and immunology department.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
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Can people with systemic lupus erythematosus drink alcohol?

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are advised not to drink alcohol as it can damage the gastric mucosa. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus often need to use corticosteroids for a long duration due to their condition, and prolonged use of corticosteroids can also harm the gastric mucosa. Therefore, drinking alcohol while using corticosteroids can easily lead to complications such as gastric ulcers, gastric bleeding, or even severe complications like hemorrhagic shock. Hence, it is recommended that lupus patients abstain from alcohol to protect their stomachs. By not consuming alcohol during corticosteroid treatment, the risk to the stomach can be significantly reduced.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Systemic lupus erythematosus is a disease.

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic disease. It is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems and organs and cannot be cured. It can only be controlled over the long term with medication. The goals of comprehensive treatment are to control symptoms, prevent relapses, slow the progression of the disease, and provide symptomatic treatment. Because this disease cannot be cured, it is important to avoid sun exposure, overwork, and getting chilled in daily life to prevent triggering or worsening the condition. Particularly in women, it is crucial to avoid oral contraceptives.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Clinical Manifestations

The clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus are diverse and variable. The primary symptoms involve the bones, joints, and muscles, with joint pain being a common presentation. The second major area affected is the skin and mucous membranes, where the most common symptoms are symmetrical butterfly-shaped erythema and discoid erythema on the face. Some patients experience kidney involvement, primarily presenting as significant proteinuria, hematuria, and cylindrical urine. Pulmonary involvement is also common in some patients, often manifesting as pleurisy. The digestive system can also be affected, typically presenting as abdominal pain. The hematological system is a very common site of involvement in lupus, mainly indicated by routine blood tests showing decreases in white blood cells and platelets.