Lupus Treatment Team: Clinicians to Know
Fatigue, photosensitivity, joint pain... With such diverse symptoms, treating lupus can be difficult. Get the right clinicians on your lupus treatment team.
Because of this variability, it is essential to work with your health team to ensure that the treatment methods work for your specific condition. Combinations of medications can be adjusted by medical professionals to find safe and appropriate doses, but this process can take months or even years.
Lupus Clinical Treatment Team
Rheumatologist
A sub-specialty of internal medicine
Specializes in issues with joints, soft tissues, and autoimmune diseases
Generally treats people with lupus
Depending on symptoms, additional clinicians may be necessary. Other specialities of potential value are:
Dermatologist
Specializes in skin, nails, hair
Useful for cutaneous lupus (lupus of the skin, causing red, scaly rashes on the face, neck, and scalp)
Cardiologist
Specializes in diseases and abnormalities of the heart
Useful for treating heart disease
Nephrologist
Specializes in the physiology and diseases of the kidneys
Useful for support with lupus nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys caused by SLE)
Neurologist
Specializes in disorders of the nervous system
Useful for support with neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE), neurocognitive dysfunction, or central system lupus (CNS lupus)
Gastroenterologist
Specializes in the digestive system including diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract
Obstetrician
Specializes in childbirth and the care of women giving birth
Useful for support with high-risk pregnancies; if you are a woman with lupus who is considering pregnancy, you should share that with the obstetrician
Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Counselor
Specializes in the study of behavior and the mind
Useful for support for depression, anxiety, stress management, fear and phobia management, and more
Note: Psychiatrists are able to write prescriptions whereas psychologists and counselors rely on non-medicinal methods
Physical Therapist / Occupational Therapist
Specializes in rehabilitation to promote mobility, function, and quality of life
Useful for rebuliding strength and flexibility to ensure autonomy
Lupus Treatment Plan Goals
The goals of a a treatment plan should be discussed with a clinician to determine the appropriate strategies based on your age, symptoms, current health, and lifestyle.
Suppress the overractive immune system
Reduce inflammation throughout the body
Protect organs and minimize damage
Prevent flares
Limit symptoms that cause discomfort or pain