Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in multiple parts of the body. In this condition, the immune system — which should protect the body from infections — instead attacks its own tissues and organs. As a result, lupus can lead to a wide range of symptoms depending on which parts of the body are affected.
This disease can damage vital organs such as the skin, blood, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. The symptoms can develop slowly or suddenly, ranging from mild to severe, and often occur in recurring episodes. Due to its complex nature, lupus requires comprehensive management and long-term monitoring by experienced medical professionals.
At Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, lupus treatment is handled by dr. Gantira Wijayakusumah Danasasmita, Sp.PD, Subsp.R(K) — an internal medicine specialist with a subspecialty in rheumatology. Rheumatology is a branch of medicine that focuses on diseases affecting the joints, muscles, bones, and connective tissues, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and other autoimmune disorders.
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Types of Lupus You Should Know
Doctors often refer to lupus as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), which is the most common type and affects multiple systems throughout the body. Besides SLE, there are other types of lupus, including:
- Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: A form of lupus that affects only the skin, often marked by rashes or red patches.
- Drug-Induced Lupus: Lupus-like symptoms caused by certain medications, usually temporary and improving once the drug is stopped.
- Neonatal Lupus: A rare condition affecting newborns. Babies born to parents with lupus have a higher risk of developing this condition, though it doesn’t affect all.
Common Symptoms of Lupus
Lupus symptoms vary from person to person, depending on which organs or systems are involved. Each patient may experience a unique combination of symptoms with different levels of severity.
Common lupus symptoms include:
- Pain in joints, muscles, or chest (especially when taking deep breaths)
- Headaches
- Skin rashes, particularly the characteristic “butterfly rash” across the face
- Fever
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling in arms, legs, or face
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Blood clots
Lupus symptoms usually come and go in cycles known as flare-ups. During a flare-up, symptoms can be severe enough to disrupt daily life. Between flare-ups, patients may experience mild or no symptoms, known as remission.
Generally, lupus symptoms develop gradually. Patients may initially experience one or two signs, which can increase or change over time.
Causes and Risk Factors of Lupus
The exact cause of lupus remains unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development, including genetic, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle-related aspects.
- Genetic factors: Certain genetic variations may increase the likelihood of developing lupus.
- Hormones: Reactions to specific hormones, particularly estrogen, may raise the risk of lupus.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to sunlight, air pollution, or other environmental triggers can increase susceptibility.
- Health history: Smoking, chronic stress, and other autoimmune diseases can also trigger lupus.
While anyone can develop lupus, the risk is higher for those with a family history of the disease. Women between the ages of 15 and 44 are also more likely to be affected.
Lupus Complications
If left untreated, lupus can lead to various complications as organ and tissue damage accumulate over time. These complications may cause new health problems or worsen existing ones.
Possible lupus-related complications include:
- Light sensitivity
- Dry eyes
- Depression or other mental health disorders
- Seizures
- Anemia
- Raynaud’s syndrome (reduced blood flow to fingers and toes)
- Osteoporosis
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
Because lupus can affect multiple vital organs, patients should receive regular medical care to prevent long-term complications.
Lupus Treatment at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri by dr. Gantira
At Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, lupus management is led by dr. Gantira Wijayakusumah Danasasmita, Sp.PD, Subsp.R(K). According to dr. Gantira, lupus treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, minimizing organ damage, and improving patients’ quality of life.
Most patients require a combination of medications to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Common treatments include:
- Hydroxychloroquine: Originally used to treat malaria, this prescription medication helps relieve lupus symptoms and slow disease progression.
- NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Over-the-counter pain relievers that also reduce inflammation. Always consult your doctor before prolonged use (more than 10 days).
- Corticosteroids: Anti-inflammatory prescription drugs like prednisone, which can be taken orally or injected directly into inflamed joints.
- Immunosuppressants: Medications that suppress overactive immune responses, helping to prevent further inflammation and tissue damage.
Additional treatments may be required to address related conditions such as anemia, high blood pressure, or osteoporosis. Each treatment plan is personalized according to the patient’s health condition and needs.
dr. Gantira’s Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
You can consult dr. Gantira Wijayakusumah Danasasmita, Sp.PD, Subsp.R(K) at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri during the following hours:
- Tuesday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Saturday: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
For a more convenient visit, you can use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or Care Dokter App (available on Google Play and App Store) to schedule appointments, check queue numbers, and access complete hospital information.
