General Medicine

» Elaine Moore - Lupus flare duration?

In response to Lupus flare duration? posted by mmdunk:
Hi,
Prednisone reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.
There are other medications such as Budesonide, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate or cytoxan that could be used in place of prednisone. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as ibuprofen, naprosyn, Lodine and Daypro aren't as potent as the other medications, but they offer benefits by reducing inflammation.
According to the Life Extension Foundation, www.lef.org using DHEA reduces the dose needed for steroid use.

Anti-malarial compounds such as Plaquenil are also being used in lupus. They take a few months to kick in but work by reducing inflammation, and they protect the skin from UV light damage. They also block the cytokine immune system chemicals that contribute to damage in lupus. Other drugs used in lupus include Thalidomide and Prestara.

Since your daughter has lost weight, the amount of estrogen present in the ring could now be too high and be contributing to her flare. She should ask her doctor about this and about using a different immunosuppressant.
Stress reduction techniques include meditation, yoga, light exercise like walking, and behavioral modification therapies.

LEF also recommends lifestyle changes, especially avoiding the environmental triggers that can worsen lupus. These include aromatic amines in hair dyes, alfalfa sprouts, silicone and silicone dust, hydrazines found in some mushrooms and tobacco smoke, and tartrazines used as food dye preservatives, particularly FD&C yellow.
Patients with lupus must also avoid ultraviolet light even on cloudy days.
Exercise and rest are important and so are the stress reduction tips I mentioned.

Diet in lupus has been extensively studied. The general recommendation is to add essential fatty acids such as EPA and DHA in fish oil or flaxseed oil. Avoiding salt, sugar and saturated fats are important for reducing inflammation. Probiotics are also recommend for improving immune system health. And antioxidant vitamins and minerals are important for reducing the effecgts of oxidative stress. Hope some of this helps, Elaine