- Urinalysis may help determine if there are signs of increased protein levels or red blood cells in the urine, which may occur if lupus has affected your kidneys.
- Blood tests will assess how well your liver and kidneys are working, as well as measuring the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells), white blood cells, and platelets (cell fragments in our blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding). These blood results may indicate you have anemia, which commonly occurs in lupus. A low white blood cell or platelet count may occur in lupus as well.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is also a blood test that determines the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a medical tube in an hour. A faster-than-normal rate may indicate a systemic disease (lupus). The sedimentation rate may be elevated if you have lupus.
- Chest X-rays may reveal any abnormal shadows that suggest fluid or inflammation in the lungs.
- Skin biopsies are performed to diagnose if lupus has/is affecting the skin.
As I’ve mentioned before, having a culturally sensitive doctor will make all the difference in your diagnosis and treatment options. No one woman is the same and treatment for lupus looks different depending on your symptoms.
It takes careful consideration, ample discussion and sound judgment to treat a Black woman with lupus. Be sure to discuss all treatment options and risks/side effects, if any, with your healthcare provider.
What lupus treatment looks like:
- Medications that help prevent tissue damage and inflammation, like immunosuppressants (suppresses the immune system) may be helpful in serious cases of lupus.
- Medications that reduce inflammation, such as corticosteroids (steroid hormones). High doses of steroids such as methylprednisolone (Medrol) are often used to control serious diseases that involve the kidneys and brain.
- Over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD), like hydroxychloroquine. This medication helps relieve lupus symptoms and slow down how they progress (change or get worse).
RELATED: Is Lupus Contagious? Risk Factors, Causes, & Prevention
Tips for reducing lupus flares:
- Protect yourself from the sun (using sunscreen, wearing a hat and protective clothing). Ultraviolet light can trigger a flare-up.
- Quit smoking, as smoking increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Smoking can also worsen the effects of lupus on your heart and your blood vessels
- Schedule regular doctor visits to prevent minor and major complications and flares.
Sista, don’t ignore the early signs! You have got to stay on top of your health, your body will thank you.