Lupus is an autoimmune disease that is chronic in nature and can damage any part of the body, including skin, joints, and organs. The symptoms usually last longer than six weeks in most cases. Autoimmunity occurs when the body’s immune system cannot differentiate between foreign invaders and ends up destroying its own healthy tissues.

Some facts about lupus

• Lupus is not a contagious condition and cannot be transferred to another person even through sexual intercourse. Therefore, it is also important for people to know that lupus is not related to any kind of HIV.
• Although lupus is an autoimmune disease and some treatments may include chemotherapy. Also, it is not related to any time of cancer.
• Lupus can be mild or life-threatening depending on a patient’s overall health and medical history.

Living with lupus
There are many ways that people who are living with lupus can learn to manage it well. It requires a detailed study and understanding of the condition and ways that allow them to manage the pain, prevent flares, and manage fatigue and other common symptoms. Additionally, a brief understanding of the condition also helps them recognize common trigger in order to avoid.

Managing fatigue
Aerobic exercise is an effective way to control fatigue that is caused by lupus. However, a high-impact exercise is not important; instead, people can perform simple strength-building activity daily to manage their fatigue.

Mild and simple exercises during the day can help one get good sleep at night. This also helps in improving the sleeping pattern, which is great for overall health.

Preventing infections
Lupus can increase one’s chances of catching infections, which makes it important to protect oneself from them.

As people with lupus are prone to respiratory infections, it is important for them to take precautions and protect themselves from catching a cold from someone. Along with this, even slight changes in the body temperature should be reported to the doctor for the right treatment.

Learning common triggers
There are many triggers of lupus and a fair knowledge of them can prevent one from the painful flare of symptoms. Some common triggers of lupus are mentioned below.

• Exhaustion
• Traumatic injury, or any other injury
• Infection, viral illness, or cold
• Ultraviolet rays from the sun
• Rays from fluorescent light bulbs
• Certain antibiotic drugs
• Emotional or mental stress
• Body stressors like surgery, pregnancy, physical harm, and giving birth
• Medication that makes a person more sensitive to the sun

Managing and preventing flares
Lupus comes with painful symptoms that include flares; however, people with lupus do have the power to control and minimize such symptoms. Below are some ways that can help them control and reduce their flares and other symptoms.

• Always carry the medication with you
• Take medications as prescribed
• Manage or reduce stress by practicing yoga or talking to a therapist
• Perform relaxation activities every day
• Communicate well with your family and doctor about the illness for better understanding

Managing pain
Other than medication, there are several other methods that can be used to manage pain related to lupus.

• Application of ice or something cold on affected areas
• Practicing behavioral techniques that include relaxation, meditation, self-hypnosis, yoga, and Tai Chi
• Acupuncture
• Acupressure

Please note that these techniques should not be self-taught; instead, they should only be performed under professional supervision.