Finding the Right Doctor for Lupus
Finding the right doctor to treat lupus can be a difficult task. This autoimmune disease can affect any part of the body, and sufferers often need to see several different specialists to help control their symptoms. Some healthcare professionals may not have experience treating patients with lupus, and cannot appropriately tailor treatment to the specific patient while remaining mindful of the underlying disease. Sometimes a personal recommendation from a fellow sufferer is the best way to find a great physician. The best doctors remain up to date on the latest treatments and information, and can help patients find clinical trials and other support for this lifelong condition. There are many different organizations dedicated to improving treatment for patients, and lupus doctors in Maryland have uncovered some of the root causes of lupus at the molecular level.
Most patients with lupus will need a team of healthcare professionals to help manage the disease. A family doctor, general practitioner, or internal medicine professional can be an excellent advocate and treatment coordinator for a person with this disease, especially if the doctor and sufferer have an established relationship or a good rapport. When the patient does not feel that their primary care physician is attentive, interested, or sympathetic, it is important to find a specialist or other professional who can help manage the condition.
Lupus can affect many different parts of the body, but most people suffer symptoms in their joints and tendons. A rheumatologist is a specialist who treats arthritis and other conditions that affect the joints. A rheumatologist can prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling, and pain medication to help keep patients comfortable and active. When the disease primarily affects the joints, a rheumatologist can be a good central treatment coordinator. Many people with lupus also have some degree of kidney disease. A nephrologist is a specialist who treats kidney problems. Many sufferers will need to see a nephrologist at some point to help keep their kidneys healthy.
Every lupus patient is different, and life with this condition means using every available resource to help manage and prevent flares that worsen symptoms. For those who suffer from rashes and other skin symptoms, a dermatologist is an important part of the healthcare team. This specialist treats skin conditions and diseases. A clinical immunologist is a physician who specializes in immune system conditions. This professional can provide immunosuppressant treatments that can improve symptoms by preventing the immune system from attacking healthy cells and organs. Other specialists can address issues with the heart, lungs, blood, and endocrine system.
Most patients with lupus will need a team of healthcare professionals to help manage the disease. A family doctor, general practitioner, or internal medicine professional can be an excellent advocate and treatment coordinator for a person with this disease, especially if the doctor and sufferer have an established relationship or a good rapport. When the patient does not feel that their primary care physician is attentive, interested, or sympathetic, it is important to find a specialist or other professional who can help manage the condition.
Lupus can affect many different parts of the body, but most people suffer symptoms in their joints and tendons. A rheumatologist is a specialist who treats arthritis and other conditions that affect the joints. A rheumatologist can prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling, and pain medication to help keep patients comfortable and active. When the disease primarily affects the joints, a rheumatologist can be a good central treatment coordinator. Many people with lupus also have some degree of kidney disease. A nephrologist is a specialist who treats kidney problems. Many sufferers will need to see a nephrologist at some point to help keep their kidneys healthy.
Every lupus patient is different, and life with this condition means using every available resource to help manage and prevent flares that worsen symptoms. For those who suffer from rashes and other skin symptoms, a dermatologist is an important part of the healthcare team. This specialist treats skin conditions and diseases. A clinical immunologist is a physician who specializes in immune system conditions. This professional can provide immunosuppressant treatments that can improve symptoms by preventing the immune system from attacking healthy cells and organs. Other specialists can address issues with the heart, lungs, blood, and endocrine system.
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