Treating Lupus

Diagnosing and treating lupus is often a team effort between the patient and several types of health care professionals. A person with lupus can go to his or her family doctor or internist, or can visit a rheumatologist.

• A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in rheumatic diseases (arthritis and other diseases of the joints, bones, and muscles).
• Clinical immunologists (doctors specializing in immune system disorders) may also treat people with lupus. As treatment progresses, other professionals often help. These may include:
• nurses
• psychologists
• social workers and specialists such as
• nephrologists (doctors who treat kidney disease),
• hematologists (doctors specializing in blood disorders),
• dermatologists (doctors who treat skin disease), and
• neurologists (doctors specializing in disorders of the nervous system).

The range and effectiveness of treatments for lupus have increased dramatically, giving doctors more choices in how to treat the disease. It is important for the patient to work closely with the doctor and take an active role in treatment. Once lupus has been diagnosed, the doctor will develop a treatment plan based on the patient's age, sex, health, symptoms, and lifestyle. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual's needs and may change over time. In developing a treatment plan, the doctor has several goals: to prevent flares, to treat them when they do occur, and to minimize organ damage and complications. The doctor and patient should reevaluate the plan regularly to ensure that it is as effective as possible.