Best Lupus Doctors in Mumbai

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks its healthy tissues and organs, resulting in inflammation and damage. The exact cause of lupus remains unclear; it is likely a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Potential triggers include exposure to sunlight, infections, certain medications like anti-seizure and blood pressure drugs, hormonal variations, stress, and certain lifestyle habits like smoking. A distinctive sign of lupus is a facial rash resembling a butterfly across both cheeks.

In Mumbai, doctors for lupus treatment are committed to supporting patients in leading meaningful lives. Specialists in systemic lupus erythematosus at Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai work diligently to provide personalised treatment and comprehensive care for patients dealing with lupus, thereby enhancing patients' quality of life.

Types/Stages of Lupus

The different forms of lupus include:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: This is the most common and serious type, affecting multiple body parts including joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys, and blood vessels.

• Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: This form primarily affects the skin, causing rashes, lesions, and inflammation.

• Drug-induced Lupus: This type arises due to an overreaction to certain medications. Symptoms typically resolve once the medication is discontinued.

• Neonatal Lupus: This rare form occurs when a developing foetus is exposed to lupus antibodies in the womb (usually from a mother with lupus or specific antibodies), causing skin, liver, or blood problems in the newborn.

Symptoms of Lupus

Lupus symptoms vary but typically include:

• Joint pain and swelling, particularly in the small joints of the hands and feet

• Fatigue and weakness

• Fever higher than 100°F

• Skin rashes, particularly a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose

• Chest pain when breathing deeply

• Hair loss

• Sensitivity to sunlight

• Swollen lymph nodes

Tests to Diagnose Lupus

To diagnose lupus, the doctors for systemic lupus erythematosus at Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai, use the following tests:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: This involves investigating the symptoms, their onset, and any family history of autoimmune diseases.

• Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Test: A positive ANA test is a key indicator of lupus, detecting antibodies that attack the body's tissues.

• Complete Blood Count: Lupus can cause abnormalities in blood cell counts, including low red blood cells (anaemia), low white blood cells (leukopenia), and low platelets (thrombocytopenia).

• Kidney and Liver Function Tests: These tests evaluate the function of the kidneys and liver to determine if lupus is affecting these organs.

• Urine Tests: This test checks for the presence of protein or red blood cells in the urine, which can indicate kidney involvement.

• Imaging Tests: Chest X-rays or echocardiograms may be used to check for lung or heart problems related to lupus.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Lupus at Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai

The best doctors for lupus treatment at Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai offer the following treatment options:

• Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids are prescribed to alleviate inflammation, joint pain, and fever associated with lupus.

• Antimalarial Drugs: Medications like hydroxychloroquine are effective in managing skin rashes, mouth sores, joint pain, and lupus flares.

• Corticosteroids: Prednisone and other corticosteroids quickly reduce inflammation, especially in cases of serious organ involvement.

• Immunosuppressant Drugs: Drugs such as azathioprine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclophosphamide are used to suppress the overactive immune system.

• Lifestyle Changes: This includes sun protection, a healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and vaccinations.