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Learning to recognize the signs of a Lupus flare-up can help the patient cope with the disease in a much better way.
Some of the common signs of an imminent flare-up are:
- Sudden fatigue unlike what is normally experienced by the patient
- Increase in the joint pain and inflammation
- Persistent high temperature
- Recurring skin rash
- Unexplained weight loss
- Mouth ulcers
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent headaches
- Hair Loss
Coping and living with a chronic disorder like Lupus is difficult and it is necessary that the patients take the following necessary precautions to avoid flare-ups in this unpredictable disease.
- Avoiding sun exposure, high-dose birth control pills, penicillin, and sulfonamides (anti-bacterial agents)
- Exercising regularly (yoga, tai chi, walking or Aerobics)
- Regular Flu and Pneumococcal vaccines
Medications should not be discontinued at any cost. For certain types of Lupus medication would be a life-long affair for the patients and discontinuing it would cause the disease to flare-up.
Watching one’s diet is also essential since certain seem to aggravate or cause a flare-up in the lupus symptoms. If certain foods seem to be causing the flare-ups they should be avoided at all costs.
The patient should ensure the following allergens are not imbibed – dairy, wheat, soy, chocolate, eggs and corn. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables or fish should be taken. Coffee, alcohol and tobacco should be avoided.
If the flare-up symptoms are very high the patient should immediately consult the physician without any delays.
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