Dietary Restrictions for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems, including the skin, heart, kidneys, lungs, and nervous system, among other organs. The skin, kidneys, and lungs are the most commonly affected organs. If the kidneys are affected and proteinuria occurs, it is necessary to restrict salt intake. The general principle is to have a low-salt, low-fat diet, and to limit the intake of high-quality proteins, which mainly refers to lean meats and pure milk. It is necessary to drink more water, avoid sun exposure, avoid oral contraceptives, and in terms of diet, fruits such as figs and mangoes that have been exposed to sunlight for a long time are prohibited, including tomatoes, while other fruits can be consumed in moderation.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can people with systemic lupus erythematosus drink alcohol?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that cannot be cured. It can only be managed with medication to control the progression of the disease, reduce recurrence, delay complications, and decrease mortality and self-harm rates. These are the main treatment objectives. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus should avoid sun exposure and, for women, the use of oral contraceptives. It is also important to avoid overwork and staying up late. Patients are generally advised to quit smoking and drinking alcohol. Therefore, patients with systemic lupus erythematosus should not consume alcohol, especially during treatment, to avoid adverse reactions with medications.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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How to Treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?

Firstly, systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that commonly occurs in women of childbearing age. It is an autoimmune disease that cannot be cured but can only be managed with medications to alleviate symptoms, delay complications, and control the progression of the disease. Once diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, it is necessary to score the disease activity to assess whether other organs are involved. The treatment of this disease primarily involves the use of corticosteroids, which should be calculated based on body weight. Initially, an adequate dose of corticosteroids should be administered. After stabilizing the disease for a month, the dosage should be reduced weekly. During the medication period, it is necessary to regularly monitor blood routine, liver and kidney function, complement levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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What medication is used for systemic lupus erythematosus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a global autoimmune disease that can involve multiple systems and organs. The cause of the disease is unclear, and it cannot be completely cured; it can only be managed through medication. However, once the condition stabilizes, the medication dosage can be gradually reduced and maintained at a low dose. The preferred treatment is corticosteroids, but if there is damage to other organs, such as pulmonary interstitial fibrosis or renal damage and proteinuria, it is necessary to combine immunosuppressants. This is done to prevent recurrence of the disease and to manage complications that may arise during the reduction of steroids. Additionally, it is crucial to be cautious about sun protection, avoid oral contraceptives, and prevent exposure to cold and overexertion. (Please take medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What to do if systemic lupus erythematosus causes a fever?

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who develop a fever first need to discern whether the fever is due to immune-related fever caused by the activity of the disease or an infectious fever due to weakened immunity from long-term use of steroids and immunosuppressants. If the fever is caused by lupus activity, then it is necessary to increase the dosage of corticosteroids in treatment. If the fever is due to an infection, a full course of anti-infection treatment is needed. The anti-infection regimen may even need to include treatments with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral medications. (Please follow professional medical advice for medication use, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Early symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease causing multi-system damage, with clinical presentations that vary greatly between individuals. Most cases begin gradually, but some can onset abruptly, meaning severe complications that can threaten life can emerge within weeks or days. Early symptoms are often atypical. During active phases, most patients with systemic lupus erythematosus experience varying degrees of low-grade fever, with low to moderate fevers being most common. The primary manifestations include erythema of the skin and mucous membranes, and some individuals may experience photosensitivity, which results in a facial rash after exposure to sunlight. This is one of the most common clinical presentations.