1. Prevent Lupus Flares
When your child's lupus is well-managed or in remission, preventing flares, or sudden increases in symptoms, plays a large role in keeping the disease under control. The triggers vary from patient to patient, but there are some common preventative measures that can be taken. Creating and adhering to a treatment plan, including taking prescribed medications regularly, is crucial in avoiding symptomatic flares.
Make a doctor's appointment at the first sign of any type of infection. Some of the treatments for lupus can suppress your child's immune system, making prompt and aggressive treatment of infections an important factor in preventing flares. Adequate rest and limited exposure to sunlight can also help to control symptoms. Don't, however, think your child can't play outside with his friends. The fresh air and exercise are good for him. Invest in some high-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, and as long as he's feeling well, send him on his way.
2. Recognize the Warning Signs of a Flare
Know the early warning signs of a flare and contact your child's doctor as soon as you see them. Her treatment should be reevaluated and adjusted if necessary. Early warning signs include a telltale "butterfly" rash across the cheeks and nose, a fever and more pronounced fatigue. Your child may also complain of increased joint pain, dizziness and an upset stomach. Though these are the most common signs, any new or unusual symptoms should be viewed as early warning signs of a flare.
3. Control Everyday Symptoms With NSAIDs and Acetaminophen
As an autoimmune disorder with a rheumatic component, lupus can cause lingering joint stiffness and pain, even when other symptoms are well controlled. These day-to-day aches and pains can be treated with over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen. At your child's next appointment, speak with her doctor about which medicine she would recommend and at what dose.
4. Control Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are frequently used to treat the most common form of lupus, SLE. The non-inflammatory steroidal drugs, like Prednisone, help to control the fatigue and joint and muscle pain caused by the disease. However, because the drugs can have some serious side effects, including a suppressed immune system and osteoporosis, be vigilant in watching for early signs of infection and ask your child's doctor about blood tests and bone scans to monitor calcium loss.
5. Control More Involved Symptoms With Other Medications
More involved cases of lupus in which the kidneys, blood vessels or central nervous system are affected may not respond to corticosteroidal treatment. Your doctor may suggest treating your child with immunosuppressive, antimalarial or anticoagulant drugs if other treatments aren't successfully preventing the disease's progression.
These medications help to control the body's abnormal immune response, preventing it from creating antibodies that attack healthy organs and inflame blood vessels. However, because they are effectively shutting down your child's immune system, there are some significant side effects associated with the drugs. Before making a decision, talk at length with the physician about whether the benefits outweigh the risks of this type of treatment.
