Lupus – What Are the Symptoms?

As an autoimmune disease, Lupus occurs when the body attacks itself. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common form and has no cure. With SLE, the immune system sees tissue as an invader at attacks any tissue it feels is a threat. This might mean tissue in joints, the skin, veins and blood vessels, or the body’s organs.

Home Care in Greenacres FL: Lupus Symptoms

Typically, lupus is diagnosed by the mid-40s. It’s more common in women than men in that age group.

People with a family history of lupus can have a higher risk, but genetics only increase the risk by a small percentage. Seniors are not immune from the disease. About 10 to 20 percent of all new cases are in people over the age of 50. In some cases, the disease may be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis and develops slowly.

With late-onset lupus, men and women tend to be diagnosed at more equal rates. While the disease is more common in women until the mid-40s, that trait tends to lose ground in seniors. Seniors also may require different treatments to keep damage to a minimum. The slower immune response in seniors can change the effectiveness of treatments.

What Are the Symptoms of SLE?

People who have SLE often experience things that may seem like arthritis. The joints become inflamed and are painful and swollen. They can feel extremely fatigued. Fevers and rashes are symptoms that can lead to questions of it being something more than arthritis. Cognitive function may also be impacted by lupus.

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Lupus can lead to kidney damage and heart issues. Some cases also find patients dealing with seizures, breathing issues, and ulcers in the mouth.

Blood tests can help diagnose the disease. Your parent should see a specialist to make sure the correct diagnoses and treatment plan is given. Most treatments involve the use of corticosteroids to help inhibit the immune system’s response.

Have Supportive Care in Place

If your mom or dad is diagnosed with lupus, they may need help with daily activities of living. The joint pain may make it hard to keep up with laundry and housework. Changing sheets on the bed can be difficult. Caregivers can assist with these routine chores. Your parent may also need reminders when it is time to take medications.

Elderly care services can help your parent with socialization and prevent isolation. Having a caregiver just a few hours a week can make a huge difference in your parent’s quality of life. Learn more by calling an elderly care agency.

If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Home Care in Greenacres, FL, please call the caring staff at Alongside Home Health.  Providing senior care in Palm Beach County and surrounding cities. Call for Assistance: (800) 712-4266

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org

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Michelle Hankla, Patient Care Coordinator and Community Liaison

Patient Care Coordinator and Community Liaison at Alongside Home Health

Michelle has spent many years in a customer focused setting in a variety of community organizations. She has worked with seniors for many years particularly those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. As part of the Alongside team, she works closely with our client service team to ensure client satisfaction. She visits healthcare facilities, clients and their families to ensure that top notch care is being provided to their satisfaction. She is the interface between our caregivers, clients, and our organization that keeps everything operating smoothly. She has resided in Palm Beach county for many years and has two children.

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