Best Lupus Doctors in Bangalore

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its healthy tissues and organs, leading to inflammation and potential damage. Lupus is more prevalent in women, indicating that hormones like oestrogen may play a part in triggering this autoimmune response. Genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors like sunlight exposure, infections, certain medications, cigarette smoke, and silica exposure can also trigger lupus. The immune dysfunction in lupus can cause inflammation in various body parts, including the skin, joints, kidneys, blood, heart, and lungs. Symptoms can include fatigue, fever, joint pain, skin rashes, and organ damage, with periods of flare-ups and remission.

Bangalore has many experienced doctors for lupus treatment who are equipped to handle the complexities of this disease. Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore is renowned for its state-of-the-art medical facilities and a team of specialists in systemic lupus erythematosus who are dedicated to providing a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan for patients based on their individual needs.

Types/Stages of Lupus

Lupus manifests through the following four types:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: This is the most severe type, involving multiple organs such as joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels.

• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: This type primarily affects the skin, leading to various types of rashes, particularly when exposed to sunlight (photosensitivity).

• Drug-induced Lupus: This condition is triggered by certain medications, typically resolving once the medication is discontinued.

• Neonatal Lupus: This is a rare condition that affects infants exposed to lupus antibodies from the mother during pregnancy. It can cause skin rashes, liver problems, and low blood cell count in newborns.

Symptoms of Lupus

The main symptoms of lupus include:

• Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling

• Fever

• Chronic fatigue

• Facial red rashes often resembling a "butterfly" pattern across the cheeks and nose

• Sensitivity to sunlight or other lights

• Pale or purple fingers or toes when exposed to cold temperatures or under stress

Tests to Diagnose Lupus

At Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore, the doctors for systemic lupus erythematosus use the following tests to diagnose the condition:

• Detailed Medical History: Doctors review symptoms such as joint pain, rashes, fever, fatigue, and photosensitivity, and assess the patient's family history of autoimmune diseases to understand the pattern and progression of symptoms.

• Physical Examination: A thorough assessment is conducted to identify signs of inflammation, such as joint swelling, skin rashes, and lymph node enlargement.

• Antibody Tests: Diagnostic tests such as antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), and anti-Smith antibodies are performed.

• Complete Blood Count: This test is crucial for detecting lupus-related complications like anaemia, low white blood cell count (leukopenia), and low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).

• Kidney and Liver Function Tests: These tests help determine if lupus is affecting these organs.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Lupus at Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore

At Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore, the best doctors for lupus treatment manage the condition through:

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation and immunosuppressants are prescribed to suppress an overactive immune system and reduce the severity of lupus symptoms.

• Antimalarial Drugs: Medications like hydroxychloroquine are often prescribed to help control mild lupus symptoms, including joint pain and skin rashes.

• Biologics: Biologics like belimumab target specific parts of the immune system and reduce inflammation caused by lupus.

• Lifestyle Changes: Modifications like eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and not smoking can manage lupus symptoms.