Living with Lupus

For many around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has required restrictions on travel, work, school and gatherings in public areas!  Feelings of uncertainty and of being cut off from others are understandable, but there are also ways to find emotional relief! Introduction Isolation Anxiety and Fear In Conclusion Introduction The COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic is…

We at Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus are monitoring the ever-changing news concerning the use of the antimalarial drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) for treating the COVID-19 virus during the current global pandemic. Plaquenil, is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for lupus.  It is primarily used in the prevention and treatment of malaria, but as…

An estimated 80% of individuals with lupus will experience brain fog. Learning what may contribute to brain fog and how to manage it can improve day-to-day quality of life.   Introduction Characteristics of Lupus Brain Fog What Causes Lupus Brain Fog? Testing Cognitive Function Managing Lupus Brain Fog Impact of Lupus Brain Fog on Quality…

Both allergies and lupus are conditions driven by an overly reactive immune system, and both are seemingly on the increase.  Are they related and why?   Introduction What are the most common types of allergies? What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction? What causes allergies? Testing for Allergies Treating and Preventing Allergic Reactions Allergies…

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that impairs of the communication between our central nervous system and the rest of the body. How is this condition implicated in lupus? Introduction Classifying Peripheral Neuropathy What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy? What causes peripheral neuropathy? How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed and treated? Managing the Effects of Peripheral…

Though relatively rare in general – possibly affecting as few as one individual in a million – vasculitis can pose health risks in individuals with SLE where it reportedly affects between 11% and 36% of those with lupus.   Introduction What causes vasculitis? Antibody Activity in Vasculitis What are the symptoms of vasculitis? How is…

Anemia is the most common blood disorder associated with lupus – affecting over 50% of all those diagnosed.  So, if you have lupus, it is a good idea to review the latest information regarding the symptoms, causes and treatment options for the various forms of anemia. Introduction Symptoms Types of Anemia and Causes Tests and…

While Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not an overlap disease of lupus, current research is revealing more and more similarities between both conditions and what may cause them. Introduction What causes CFS? What are the symptoms of CFS? How is CFS diagnosed and treated? In Conclusion Introduction In 2015, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published a…

Affecting approximately 6% of the world’s population, fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic, widespread pain conditions diagnosed. What exactly is fibromyalgia and who is at risk for developing it? Introduction What causes fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia’s Relationship to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) How is fibromyalgia diagnosed? How is fibromyalgia treated? What is the prognosis? In…

This article examines the relationship between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the development of lupus. Introduction Who is at risk, and what causes EBV? What are the Symptoms of EBV? How is EBV diagnosed and treated? What is the relationship between EBV and lupus? In Conclusion   Introduction Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a relatively common…