Lupus is an autoimmune disease with flare-ups that can be triggered by stress, medication changes, or sunlight exposure. Recognizing pre-flare warning signs, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding triggers can prevent flare-ups. Severe flares can cause kidney failure or fluid around the heart.
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized in part by “flare-ups,” periods of time in which lupus symptoms get worse or worse. While the number and frequency of flare-ups varies from person to person, an individual may experience an average of three to six lupus flare-ups per year. Flare-ups can be signaled by symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or increased pain, and can be triggered by stress, a change in medication, or even exposure to sunlight. Although flares are a normal part of having lupus, it’s possible for a person to prevent them by paying attention to the things that trigger them.
Lupus symptoms are not always present; they come and go, and in some cases, a person can go years without experiencing any symptoms. The period of time during which symptoms disappear is called “remission” or “quiescence”. When symptoms are about to “turn on” or become active, there are often warning signs. An individual can learn to recognize the signs that a lupus flare is coming by looking for pre-flare indicators.
Before a lupus flare-up, a person may feel more tired than usual, with a fever or dizziness. He may also experience increased pain, get a stomach ache or rash or develop symptoms he has never had before. These warning signs of an impending flare are different from the symptoms of lupus, which include swollen or painful joints, body aches, hair loss, fatigue, and sensitivity to the sun. A person with lupus may also develop a “butterfly” rash on the nose and cheeks and may have trouble remembering or concentrating. The intensity of these symptoms can vary; a lupus flare can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Lupus flares can be triggered by physical or emotional stress, infection, new medications, or exposure to ultraviolet light. It’s also common for women with lupus to experience flares during or immediately after pregnancy. Although flares are considered “normal” in people with lupus, they can still be dangerous because severe flares can cause kidney failure or fluid to collect around the heart. While an individual should expect to experience lupus flares occasionally, the good news is that flares can be prevented.
To avoid lupus flares, a person can learn to recognize its unique set of pre-flare warning signs. Additionally, he can make efforts to get enough sleep, limit stress in his life, and maintain a healthy diet. Exercising and seeing a doctor regularly can also be important factors in preventing a lupus flare-up; an individual should consider seeing his or her doctor especially when starting any new medication, including over-the-counter medications. Avoiding exposure to sunlight, halogen lights, and fluorescent lights can also help prevent a flare.
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