I have signs and symptoms of Lupus, what do I do?
Depending on your symptoms you could start by visiting one of three doctors. If you have a skin rash, or other outward signs, such as hair loss or sensitivity to sunlight or mouth sores you would go see a dermatologist. If you had pain in your joints and think it is Arthritis see a Rheumatologist, if you have chest pains, abdominal pain, headache, psychosis, seizures or stroke see your cardiologist, Pulmonologist or family practitioner.
https://resources.lupus.org/entry/doctors-who-treat
What Doctors treat lupus ?
https://resources.lupus.org/entry/doctors-who-treat
What Doctors treat lupus ?
Lupus
Foundation of AmericaSeptember 27, 2017
Resource
Content
A
diagnosis of lupus may be made by any physician (family practitioner,
Internist, or pediatrician) if multiple symptoms and laboratory test results
point toward the disease. However, if symptoms develop gradually over time, as
is often the case with lupus, the diagnosis may not be as obvious and there may
be visits to multiple physicians before a diagnosis can be confirmed.
The form of lupus and
its symptoms determine what type of doctor you will see for treatment. Most
people with mild to moderate disease will see a rheumatologist (or pediatric
rheumatologist if a child or adolescent has lupus), a physician who specializes
in diseases of joints and muscles.
A
rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who received further training in
the diagnosis (detection) and treatment of musculoskeletal disease and systemic
autoimmune conditions commonly referred to as rheumatic diseases. These
diseases can affect the joints, muscles, and bones causing pain, swelling,
stiffness, and deformity.
Autoimmune
conditions occur when the immune system sends inflammation to areas of the body
when it is not needed causing damage/symptoms. These diseases can also affect
the eyes, skin, nervous system, and internal organs. Rheumatologists treat
joint disease similar to orthopedists but do not perform surgeries. Common
diseases treated by rheumatologists include osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid
arthritis, chronic back pain, tendinitis,
and lupus.
Since
lupus can cause damage to any part of the body, other specialists may be
necessary such as a:
Cardiologist -
For heart issues such as lupus myocarditis and lupus
pericarditis
Pulmonologist -
For lung issues such as pleurisy due to
lupus and other lung conditions
Endocrinologist
- For issues relating to your thyroid, adrenal function, or other endocrine
issues
Nephrologist -
For issues relating to your kidneys and kidney function such as lupus nephritis
Gastroenterologist -
For digestive tract issues
Hematologist
- For issues relating to your blood count
Immunologist
- Clinical immunologists, doctors who address the underlying process of your
disease, are becoming increasingly involved in the treatment of lupus as more
is being learned
A
dermatologist is a physician who is trained to evaluate and treat children and
adults with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, hair, nails and adjacent
mucous membranes. A dermatologist has had additional training and experience in
the following:
The
diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, melanomas, moles, and other tumors of
the skin.
The
management of contact dermatitis and other inflammatory skin disorders.
The
recognition of the skin manifestations of systemic and infectious diseases.
Interpretation
of skin biopsies.
Surgical
techniques used in dermatology.
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