Tips for Managing Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where your body's immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues, and as a result damages your skin, joints and organs.

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, it is estimated that 1.5 million Americans and at least five million individuals worldwide have a form of Lupus.

What are some of the symptoms of Lupus?

There are many unpleasant symptoms associated with Lupus, the most common being joint pain and stiffness, muscle aches, weakness, fatigue, a butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks, other skin rashes, weight loss or weight gain, and anemia.

What are some tips to help manage Lupus?

It's very important if you have Lupus to get your stress under control. Oftentimes Lupus is brought on through triggers, particularly stress. Finding daily habits such as yoga, meditation or setting aside time to yourself can help reduce your stress and manage your Lupus symptoms.

Another tip would be to get an allergy test done. There are some cases where patients who suffer from Lupus also have a food allergy. If you have a food allergy, the inflammation in your body could worsen your Lupus symptoms.

Finally, it never hurts to further your education on Lupus. Being your own health advocate can help you determine which treatments and medications aren't working. Through this process, you may also identify other medications and treatments to try.

The founder of the Lupus Survival Guide, Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana, joins Dr. Mike to discuss her best tips for managing Lupus and helping patients return to a high quality of life.