Best Lupus Doctors in Chennai

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues, causing inflammation, swelling, and pain that can lead to tissue damage. The exact cause of lupus remains uncertain, but it is believed to be a combination of environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors that trigger this immune response. Although anyone can develop lupus, factors like sunlight exposure, infections, certain medications, and stress are believed to contribute to its onset.

With a robust healthcare infrastructure in place, Chennai offers access to specialists in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and doctors for Lupus treatment who are adept at managing the disease. Apollo Hospitals in Chennai, known for its excellence in healthcare services across India, has some of the best doctors for Lupus treatment who are experienced in handling various rheumatologic conditions.

"Types/Stages of Lupus"

Lupus manifests in several distinct forms:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): This is the most common form of Lupus that affects multiple organs and systems in the body, leading to inflammation and damage in the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain.

• Discoid Lupus: This form primarily affects the skin, causing a chronic rash that often appears on the face, scalp, and ears.

• Subacute Cutaneous Lupus: This type results in skin lesions that appear on sun-exposed areas. These lesions can be red, and scaly, and may leave pigment changes after healing.

• Drug-Induced Lupus: This type is triggered by certain medications and is generally less severe than SLE.

• Neonatal Lupus: A rare form that affects newborns whose mothers carry lupus or Sjögren's syndrome antibodies. It often resolves within months after birth.

Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus presents with a range of symptoms, including:

• Muscle and joint pain

• Persistent fatigue and fever

• Skin rashes, including a characteristic 'butterfly' rash across the cheeks

• Sensitivity to sunlight

• Mouth sores

• Raynaud's phenomenon, causing fingers or toes to turn white or blue in cold conditions

Tests to Diagnose Lupus

Doctors for lupus treatment may perform a variety of tests to accurately diagnose the condition:

• Complete Blood Count: This test evaluates the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin levels, and platelets, indicating inflammation or anaemia associated with lupus.

• Urinalysis: This test examines the urine for abnormalities such as proteinuria (elevated protein levels) or cellular casts (cylindrical structures composed of various cellular elements), indicating kidney involvement in lupus.

• Kidney and Liver Function tests: Tests such as serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and liver function tests (including liver enzymes) are crucial to evaluate the functioning of the kidneys and liver.

• Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test: This blood test detects the presence of antinuclear antibodies, which are commonly found in individuals with autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Lupus at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai

Apollo Hospitals in Chennai offers a holistic approach to Lupus treatment, utilising the expertise of their best doctors:

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Medications, such as NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), help alleviate joint pain and reduce inflammation, improving mobility and comfort for patients.

• Antimalarial Drugs: Hydroxychloroquine is a key medication used to manage lupus symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes and inflammation of the lungs.

• Immunosuppressive drugs and biologics: For more severe cases, medications like corticosteroids, methotrexate, azathioprine, or biologic agents such as rituximab or belimumab help modulate the immune response, preventing it from attacking healthy tissues and organs.

• Dialysis or Kidney Transplant: In cases where lupus causes severe kidney damage (lupus nephritis), dialysis may be necessary to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood.