How to Manage Lupus

Those suffering from Lupus, an autoimmune disease, experience times of flare-ups and remissions. There is no known cure for this disease, but along with help from your healthcare professional, there are steps you can take to manage Lupus.

Instructions

• 1

  Exercise. This is an important part of keeping your muscles strong and keeping joints flexible.

• 2

  Predict flare-ups. You will learn your personal signs of an oncoming flare-up. Call you healthcare professional when you feel one coming on. Early treatment prevents full-blown flare-ups.

• 3

  Control stress. Stress relievers such as deep breathing, visualization or listening to soft music are just a few possibilities. Take yourself out of stressful situations when at all possible. Stress adds to your pain level and may worsen your condition.

• 4

  Guard against joint injury. Although exercise is important for managing Lupus, joints must be protected against injury. When an exercise movement causes pain, stop immediately.

• 5

  Avoid long periods of time in the sun. Many people afflicted with Lupus are sun sensitive.

• 6

  Change your diet to include foods containing Omega-3 oils and supplements. Snack on nuts and seeds. Supplement with flax seed oil or fish oil. Scientific studies have shown that Omega-3 oil may reduce inflammation.

• 7

  Discuss pregnancy plans with your healthcare professional. Women’s hormone levels change with pregnancy. Your doctor can tell you when the optimal time is to have a child. He will work closely with you attempting to avoid Lupus flare-ups.