Negosentro | Professional Diagnosis and Care for Lupus in Texas | Nearly 1.5 million Americans have lupus, an autoimmune disease that prompts your immune system to damage healthy tissue across your body, especially your kidneys. If you have lupus and require specialized kidney care, the trained experts at Houston Kidney Specialists Center could assist. They have been helping patients throughout Cypress and Houston, TX, address the condition using individualized care plans. To find out more, schedule a consultation with lupus Barker Cypress specialist today through mobile or request online.
What Exactly is Lupus?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system becomes hyperactive and destroys healthy tissue all over your body.
Lupus varies in severity, triggering cycles of remission and swelling, as well as symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Inflamed muscles, joints, and eyes
- Ulcers
- Hair loss
- A rash
- Headaches
Lupus can affect different sections of your body in different ways. Your symptoms are determined by the type of disease you have.
What Are the Effects of Lupus On the Kidneys?
Once your kidneys are attacked by lupus, antibodies are produced to combat the apparent threat. This condition causes scarring and swelling in the blood vessels, which filter waste from your blood, causing kidney failure. Kidney dysfunction causes unpleasant and even possibly harmful symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Renal Impairment Caused by Lupus?
The following are some of the symptoms of lupus-related renal issues:
- Urine with blood
- Abnormally high protein levels in the urine
- Increased blood pressure
- Putting on weight
- Swelling
If you realize any of these symptoms, you should visit a doctor for assessment. Numerous health issues have similar symptoms, so it is crucial to receive a correct diagnosis so you can get the right treatment.
How Can You Know If You Have Lupus?
Before performing a physical exam, the Houston Kidney Specialists Center staff goes through your symptoms, health records, and lifestyle.
Your physician requests urine tests to look for blood or increased protein levels. They also order blood tests to assess your:
- Cholesterol
- Protein
- Glomerular filtration rate
- Anti-nuclear antibodies
- Antiphospholipid antibodies
Besides testing for lupus, your provider will recommend tests to assess your kidney health. A kidney biopsy, for instance, may be ordered by your clinician to look for evidence of scarring or other damage.
What is the Best Way to Deal with Lupus?
If your kidney impairment is caused by lupus, your doctor can prescribe treatments to help you manage the disease and maintain good kidney function. Everybody’s needs are different, but typical treatment regimens entail the following:
- Corticosteroids
- Diuretics
- Immunosuppressive medications
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
These drugs help manage your blood pressure and fluid retention while also calming your immune system and reducing swelling. Your physician may also suggest dietary modifications, such as lowering protein and sodium intake. Eliminating these from your diet will ease the stress on your kidneys.
If you suspect you have lupus, you should always seek immediate care as it can adversely affect your health. At Houston Kidney Specialists Center, the nephrologists are experts in diagnosing and treating the condition with highly safe and effective treatments. Call or book an appointment online to get started.
