Lupus is a chronic, inflammatory auto-immune disease characterized in part by “flares”—periods of time when lupus symptoms grow worse or increase. While the number and frequency of flares varies from person to person, an individual can experience between three and six lupus flares a year, on average. Flares can be signaled by such symptoms as fatigue, dizziness or increased pain, and they can be triggered by stress, a change in medications or even exposure to sunlight. Though flares are a normal part of having lupus, it’s possible for a person to prevent them by paying attention to the things that trigger them.
The symptoms of lupus aren’t always present; they come and go, and in some cases, a person can go years without experiencing any symptoms. The period of time during which symptoms are gone is called “remission” or “quiescence.” When symptoms are about to “flare,” or become active, there are often warning signs. An individual can learn to recognize the signals that a lupus flare is coming on by looking for pre-flare indicators.
Prior to a lupus flare, a person may feel more tired than usual, feverish, or dizzy. He may also experience increased pain, have a stomach ache or rash, or develop symptoms he has never had before. These warning signs of an oncoming flare are different from the symptoms of lupus, which include swollen or painful joints, muscle ache, hair loss, fatigue and sun sensitivity. A person with lupus may also develop a “butterfly” rash across his nose and cheeks, and may have trouble remembering or concentrating. The intensity of these symptoms can vary; a lupus flare may be mild, moderate or severe.
Lupus flares can be triggered by physical or emotional stress, infection, new medications, or by exposure to ultraviolet light. It is also common for women with lupus to experience flares during or immediately after pregnancy. Although flares are consider “normal” in people with lupus, they can still be dangerous because severe flares can result in kidney failure or fluid collection around the heart. While an individual should expect to experience lupus flares on occasion, the good news is that flares can be prevented.
To avoid lupus flares, a person can learn to recognize his unique set of pre-flare warnings signs. Additionally, he can make efforts to get enough sleep, limit the stress in his life, and maintain a healthy diet. Getting exercise and regularly seeing a doctor can also be important factors in preventing a lupus flare; an individual should consider seeing his doctor especially when starting any new medication, including over-the-counter drugs. Avoiding exposure to sunlight, halogen lights, and fluorescent lights may also help avert a flare.