Lupus Flares

WHAT IS A FLARE?
A “flare” is a sudden change in disease activity. Lupus is unpredictable and patients often suffer flares, or active symptoms of the disease, followed by periods of remission (some doctors prefer to use the term “quiescence,” which means a quiet period). For those who have not been diagnosed with lupus, this continued recurrence of symptoms might be the first clue that lupus is the cause.

Lupus flares can be classified as mild, moderate or severe. An example of a milder flare might be the appearance of a rash. A very severe flare could cause fluid collection around the heart or even kidney failure.
What causes a flare is almost as unpredictable as when the flare will occur. There is no definitive way to predict when a flare will happen, how bad it will be, or how long it will last. When you have a lupus flare, you may have different symptoms than those you have had in the past.

You may find that your symptoms flare after you’ve been out in the sun and exposed to ultraviolet light, after a hard day at work or if you have not gotten enough rest. Stress, certain medications, infections, medication changes and even pregnancy can trigger flares in lupus patients.

Even if you take medicine for lupus, you may find that there are times when the symptoms become worse. If possible, learning to recognize when a flare is coming can help you take steps to cope with it.

What are some signs that a flare is imminent?:

Prior to the onset of a flare, lupus patients may notice a number of indicative signs:
Out of proportion and persistent fatigue
Persistent weakness
Aching all over
Slight to high fever
Persistent loss of appetite
Involuntary weight loss
Increasing hair loss
Nose bleeds
Unexplained skin rash
Painful, stiff or swollen joints
Chest pain which increases with breathing
Shortness of breath
Persistent unusual headache
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal pain
Puffy eyelids
Blood in the urine


Call your health care professional if you experience:
high fever;
unusual headache;
blood in the urine;
chest pain;
shortness of breath;
swelling of the legs;
weakness of the face, arms, or legs, on one side;
unusual abdominal pain;
unusual joint pain;
recurrent pregnancy loss (miscarriages);
visual disturbances.
When to go to the hospital

Go to the hospital if you experience

fever greater than 102 F,
rapidly decreasing urine volume,
chest pain,
sudden onset or unusual shortness of breath,
sudden onset of weakness,
severe headache,
acute visual changes,
sudden onset of abdominal pain,
inability to bear weight or move a swollen joint due to severe pain,
rapid swelling of one or more extremities (arms, legs, hands, or feet).

Flare Care
1. REST!
2. Keep Hydrated
3. Be in contact with your Dr.
4. Make sure your family is aware that you are flaring--ask for help
5. Avoid crowds
6. Stay out of the sun (Well obviously)
7. Eat small, easy to digest foods, soup, applesauce, mashed potatoes, etc.
8. Take your meds (My handy weekly med cases come in handy)
9. Good oral care..salt water rinses, magic mouthwash, etc
10.Keep your mind occupied by reading, television, puzzles,Facebook, and keep connected :)

Source:

http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_aboutliving.aspx?articleid=407&zoneid=16