How to Manage a Lupus Flare-Up

If you are a family caregiver for an older adult with lupus, you probably do everything you can to ensure they follow the doctor’s treatment plan. Doing so helps to keep their lupus symptoms under control. However, sometimes no matter how closely you follow the plan, a lupus flare-up can occur. Understanding what a lupus flare is and how to deal with them can help you to better manage their condition.

About Lupus Flare-Ups

A lupus flare-up is a period in which the older adult’s lupus symptoms are worse than usual. During a flare, the disease is active. Some things you may notice right before a flare are:

• More fatigue than usual.
• Fever, or higher fever.
• Worsening of pain.
• A new rash, or a rash that is worse.
• Upset stomach.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• New symptoms that have never occurred before.

Flares often occur in response to a trigger, or a combination of triggers. Some of the things that can lead to a flare up are:

• Overdoing it.
• Stress.
• Sunlight.
• Infection.
• An injury or surgery.
• Not taking lupus medications.
• Some medications.

Tips for Managing a Lupus Flare-Up

Avoiding triggers can help to prevent a lupus flare-up. But, when one does happen, there are steps you can take to help your loved one to feel better. Some tips for managing a flare-up are:

• Report Symptoms: Call the doctor’s office and report new or worsening symptoms. The doctor may be able to adjust the treatment plan to deal with what the senior is experiencing.
• Rest: During a flare, the older adult is likely to need more rest. It may be necessary to change their usual schedule to allow for more rest. Do only those things that are top priority and hold off on others until the senior is feeling better. 
• Reduce Stress: Having people the older adult knows they can rely on can help to reduce stress. It may also help them to join a support group for people with lupus.
• Eat Healthy Foods: Eating a healthy diet can help the older adult’s body to stay stronger and respond better to a lupus flare-up. 
• Limit Time in the Sun: The senior should stay out of the sun as much as possible. When they do go outside, they should wear sunscreen and protective clothing.

Another way to help your aging relative manage lupus flare-ups is to utilize senior care. Senior care providers can give older adults the opportunity to rest while they handle household tasks, such as cleaning and laundry. Senior care providers can also cook healthy meals and remind your family member when it is time to take their medications. And, a senior care provider can be part of the support team that helps reduce stress in their life.

https://www.webmd.com/lupus/preventing-lupus-flare#1
http://lupuscorner.com/managing-lupus-flare-advice-experts/
https://www.lupus.org/blog/entry/when-flares-happen

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING SENIOR CARE IN STREETERVILLE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.