Lupus is a disease that is difficult to diagnose, and the patients need to get themselves tested to ensure an accurate diagnosed. Lupus falls into the category of autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases are the types wherein the body’s immune system tends to identify even the healthy cells as “harmful” and begins to attack them. The affected areas can vary and have the tendency to form inflammation.
As mentioned before, lupus is difficult to diagnose given the versatile nature of the triggers and symptoms; almost every case of lupus tends to be unique. Moreover, the severity of the symptoms tends to vary as well. A butterfly rash across the face is the only common symptom experienced by all people with lupus. The diagnosis of lupus usually involves multiple tests including various blood and urine-based tests. Some of these tests have been explained in brief as follows:
Urinalysis: Herein the sample of urine is tested in a laboratory; if the sample shows an increased level of proteins and red blood cells, it might indicate of lupus being active in the kidneys.
Antinuclear antibody test: Testing positive for this particular test does not exactly imply the presence of lupus; however, most people with lupus do test positive for this test. This makes it the most sensitive test for diagnosing lupus. In this test, a blood sample is drawn and sent to a laboratory for further testing.
These tests mentioned above help diagnose the presence of lupus. Moreover, if a person tests positive for and is diagnosed with lupus, the doctor may perform a few more tests to identify and the area affected by lupus. These tests include the following:
Chest X-ray: A doctor may advise a person with lupus to get a chest X-ray done in order to examine the presence of any sorts of abnormalities that may be present. These abnormalities may be caused because of fluid present around the lungs or inflammation in them.
Echocardiogram: This test helps in examining the functioning of the heart. Any abnormalities with the heart including issues that may have arisen in the valves or other portions of the heart are examined properly to rule out any possibilities.
There are different ways in which one may deal with the treatment of lupus depending upon the severity, type, and uniqueness of the case. Once diagnosed and on medication, the doctor may even vary the medication and its dosage depending upon the condition of the patient.
There are various different medications involved in the treatment of lupus such as the following:
Immunosuppressants: This type of medicine is only used in serious cases of lupus and is supposed to suppress the activity of the immune system.
Antimalarial medications: This medication is used to reduce the symptoms of the disease. The very drug helps keep a check on the flares experienced with lupus.
There are also some other types of medicines used. Therefore, if you suspect any initial symptoms, you should get tested for lupus immediately. On the basis of the diagnosis, the doctor will advise the appropriate treatment option.
