How to manage lupus flare?

Living with lupus can be a real pain in the butt. And sometimes, that pain becomes much more than just a metaphor. When those pesky flares hit, all you want to do is crawl under your blanket and never come out again! But don’t worry, my friend – dealing with lupus flares doesn’t have to be that hard. With some careful planning and a little bit of humor (and maybe some laughter at yourself), you can manage them like it ain’t no thing.

What Exactly Is Lupus?

Before we jump into the meaty stuff of managing flare-ups, let’s go over what lupus actually is (not the wolf kind; sorry).

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks your body’s tissues and organs. It can cause inflammation, pain, and damage in almost any part of your body- from skin rashes on your cheeks or chest called butterfly rashes, to swollen joints or fingers/mouth ulcers/thinning hair/fatigue/fevers/kidney damage/Blood clots/seizures/chest pains/breathing troubles etc., depending on how bad things get.

Unfortunately for us fashionable people who love wearing makeup/cologne/scents/perfume/paints/tattoos/hair-dye/etc., our bodies may become sensitive/allergic towards these products during flares so RIP Toxic beauty standards!

Now that we’re up-to-date on this sexy disease – Let’s talk about fighting off those annoying moments when it acts up!

1) Know Your Triggers

It’s important to identify which situations /activities ping-pong you back into feeling unwell. These triggers could differ from person-to-person ranging anywhere from sunlight/stressful-stimuli/extreme temperatures/unhealthy diet/no-sleep, discovering yours warrants you mindful discrimination, I mean you were carefully crafted after all. Try keeping a diary to track your daily routine and weed out potential causes of lupus flare-ups.

2) Take Rest Seriously

I know it’s tempting when you’re feeling good to go on an adventure or spend time with friends (FOMO can be real), but if you’re experiencing fatigue or over-exerting yourself in any way stop that train- rest and recuperate! No forcefulness is necessary because this one is common sense: If your body feels off, it needs some TLC. Plus Netflix isn’t going anywhere anytime soon so lay back and hit play instead.

3) Don’t Skimp On Your Medication

For most people with lupus, medication management is an important part of their treatment plan. Unless advised otherwise by the doctor/internist/physician/nurse-practitioner or a qualified medical practitioner, skipping prescriptions could lead to negative results including increased inflammation/prolonged flares/spread of symptoms etc. So let that ego lie low in this case -if better health means dropping medicine like they’re hot – KEEP TAKING IT!

4) Learn Stress Management Techniques

Managing stress is key when it comes to maintaining overall wellness(and those impatient inner voices!). When we experience stress our bodies initiate inflammatory responses which fuel into Lupus chaos mode, making things worse than before #BasicAnatomy101! In combating such scenarios try practicing mindfulness meditation/yoga/art therapy /scented candles/bubble bath champion-mode/pet-cuddling/crazy-long walks/listening-music — whatever puts your mind-space at ease.

5) Pay Attention To Diet And Nutrition

There are certain foods that have been known for causing problems for those with Lupus including tobacco products/alcohol/processed-junk-food/high-sugar-content-snacks etc.; whereas consuming anti-inflammatory foods such as salmon, spinach, berries or nuts could help reduce Lupus inflammation reducing flare-ups. However – please do consult with your doctor/dietitian (Practicing healthy eating is just the same fun trick like adult coloring books/broccoli/sardines-delight)

6) Keep Warm And Hydrated

There’s a reason ice-cold beverages are offered to patients down with a fever and we all have seen that patient in our close circles wrapping multiple layers of clothes- hydrating/warming up can be highly beneficial for those with lupus trying to avoid an episode in cold/low temperatures. It keeps blood circulation running smoothly & flowing effortlessly – so don’t forget to drink plenty of water(And that stylish wool hat/hand-warmer combo? Go ahead! You deserve it!)

7) Communicate With Your Support Group ie-Dear Ones/Medical Professionals etc.

No one says you have to brave through confusing flares alone when there is support waiting at every turn- support from dear ones/a healthcare professional group can guide us better on Lupus management/take-stock-of-situations-decisively/spot-prevention/vaccine-strategies /Counselling and guidance. So hit up that texting/calling-karaoke-binge partner while also coordinating non-emergency-virtual-internal medicine appointment because even Lizzo had an entire squad behind her!

Wrapping Up:

Living with lupus may come off-challenging but not impossible if recharged ammunition get fired strategically towards it during Flare-up situations (bam!). Always remember: Put yourself first/Talk about what works/Learn different strategies/I’ll humorously tackle this disease-Shark Tank style (Humor–check/Aid system — Check). This walk today might look limiting and complex but let’s show ourselves how much strength bears within us #LupusWarriorsIamLookingAtYou!

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