These periods of feeling worse are known as lupus flares. Although there is no way you or your doctor can completely predict or prevent a lupus flare, you can identify and try to avoid known triggers to reduce your risk for flares. Making appropriate lifestyle changes can also help reduce your risk for a lupus flare. “Some of the common triggers in systemic lupus are sunlight, infections, and stress,” says Amita Bishnoi, MD, a rheumatologist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Other common triggers include being overtired, starting or stopping medications, becoming pregnant, or undergoing any physical stress, such as surgery or an injury. Lupus Flares and Lifestyle Changes “The best thing you can do is live a healthy lifestyle,” says Ellen Ginzler, MD, a professor of medicine and chief of rheumatology at State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in New York City. “Stay active, eat a healthy diet, stay out of the sun, and don’t smoke.” Other things you can do include:
Visit your doctor regularly. To maintain your health, make sure you stick to scheduled doctor visits and let your doctor know if symptoms seem to be getting worse.Get plenty of rest. Manage your schedule to avoid becoming overtired or overworked.Watch out for stress. Some stress is unavoidable, and having a chronic disease is stressful by itself, but it’s important for people with lupus to avoid putting themselves in stressful situations when possible. Learn some techniques that help you manage your stress. Meditation is an excellent way to reduce stress and decrease your risk for a lupus flare.Avoid physical stress. Regular exercise is a great way to stay strong and fit. If you need to undergo a procedure that will require recuperation time, schedule it when your lupus is not active. It’s best to wait to get pregnant until your doctor clears you for it, for the same reason.Avoid sunlight whenever possible. If you have to be in the sun, use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (like SPF 70) and wear protective clothing. Make sure your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember that halogen and fluorescent lights also give off ultraviolet light, so avoid prolonged exposure to them as well.Take your medications as prescribed. Never start or stop a medication without checking with your doctor first. Many medications, including some over-the-counter drugs, can trigger lupus flares. Some antibiotics in the sulfa family, for instance, increase sun sensitivity and may increase your risk for a flare. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication, supplement, or herbal treatment.Be careful with certain foods and supplements. Avoid alfalfa sprouts, which contain a substance that may increase inflammation and trigger a flare. Some people may have a similar reaction to garlic, which is sometimes used as a health supplement. Other supplements that have been linked to lupus flares include melatonin, often used as a sleep aid, and echinacea, used to fight colds.
What Should You Do If You Sense a Lupus Flare Coming On? Many people with lupus eventually become attuned to their body’s rhythms enough to sense when a possible flare is coming. At these times you can rest and use stress management techniques, but once actual symptoms of a flare begin, you shouldn’t try to handle it on your own. Some common flare symptoms include:
Increased fatigueNew or worsening rashJoint and muscle painHeadache or dizzinessSores or ulcers in the mouthSwelling in the legsFeverAny new symptoms
When you think a flare is starting, it’s best to see your doctor as soon as possible. The best way to manage lupus and avoid flares is to learn as much about your disease as you can and to follow these simple guidelines: Listen to your body, learn what your own triggers and early warning signs are, stick to your lupus treatment plan, and take good care of yourself.
