Approximately 1.5 million Americans have lupus, an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to attack healthy tissue throughout your body, including your kidneys. If you have lupus and need expert kidney care, the skilled team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center can help. Call any of their four locations throughout Houston and Cypress, Texas, or request an appointment online today.
Lupus is a complex autoimmune disease that occurs when your immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks healthy tissue throughout your body.
Lupus ranges in severity, causing cycles of inflammation and remission, and symptoms, including:
There are several types of lupus that attack different parts of your body. Your symptoms depend on your variant of the disease.
When lupus attacks your kidneys, it sends antibodies to fight off the perceived threat. This leads to inflammation and scarring in the blood vessels that filter waste out of your blood, interfering with your kidney function. Reduced kidney function leads to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms.
Some of the signs of lupus-related kidney problems include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical assessment. Many health problems can cause similar symptoms, and it’s critical to get an accurate diagnosis for appropriate treatment.
The team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center review your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle before completing a physical exam.
Your doctor orders urine tests to check for blood or elevated protein levels. They also request bloodwork to check your:
In addition to screening for lupus, your doctor also orders tests to evaluate your kidney health. For example, your doctor might order a kidney biopsy to check for signs of scarring or other damage.
If your kidney dysfunction is due to lupus, your doctor provides treatments to control lupus and promote healthy kidney function. Everyone has unique needs, but most treatment programs include:
These medications calm your immune system, reduce inflammation, regulate your blood pressure, and fluid retention. Your doctor might also recommend dietary changes, reducing sodium and protein. Cutting these products from your diet lessens the stress on your kidneys.
If you have lupus and are looking for expert nephrologists to monitor your kidney health, call Houston Kidney Specialists Center, or book an appointment online today.
