Kaleidoscope Blog

Seizures are one of the most common neurological symptoms of lupus – affecting about 10% of those living with SLE.  What are the causes of lupus seizures, and how are they diagnosed and treated?  Read on to find out!. Introduction More About Seizures Lupus and Seizures Diagnosing and Treating Lupus Seizures In Conclusion . Introduction…

For those living with lupus, blood clots can be a significant health risk, possibly leading to strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary thromboses and especially kidney damage. Treating for these conditions means that many with SLE add anticoagulants (blood thinners) to their lengthy list of medications. What could this mean for you?  Read on to find out!…

Sugar seems to be in everything. The average American gets 270 calories of “added” sugar each day in processed foods and sugary drinks – about 17 teaspoons!  Unfortunately, consuming too much sugar can cause many serious health issues.  So, what does this mean for those living with lupus?  Read on to find out. A Quick…

It may be easy to forget, but water is the most important and essential nutrient for the human body.  Good hydration is important for everyone’s health, but it is especially critical for those living with lupus.  What is the relationship between lupus and hydration?  Read on to find out! The 30-second Overview How can hydration…

Lupus may affect the central nervous system in possibly up to 40% of those living with SLE.  Often labelled by the rather scary sounding name, “neuropsychiatric lupus,” its symptoms can range from mild brain fog and headaches to more serious conditions like memory loss, seizures, strokes and others that can dramatically affect quality of life. …

Summertime … and the livin’ with lupus is… not easy. With the intense sunlight, heat, humidity, wind, pollen and even air pollution, summer can make life miserable for those living with SLE.  Summer conditions can trigger flares and possibly even the disease itself.  To learn how to best manage this time of year, read on. …

Talking about “biomarkers” may not sound exciting, or even particularly interesting, yet they are absolutely critical to both diagnosing lupus and improving treatment plans for patients.  They are also vitally important tools that scientists use in their search for a cure, and the future of biomarkers is a bright one for those living with lupus! …

 As you know, stress can negatively affect one’s health in many ways.  It can range from minor concerns to severe traumas that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  The latest research on stress and lupus shows growing evidence that the effects of PTSD may actually trigger the development of lupus as a disease!  What…

Artificial sweeteners have become a prevalent way to reduce sugar and its potentially harmful effects.  Yet, is there a downside to consuming artificial sweeteners for someone living with lupus?  Read on to find out. Introduction The Problem with Sugar … and Artificial Sweeteners to the Rescue! Artificial Sweeteners and Lupus In Conclusion: What is best…

Corticosteroids, like prednisone, can be life-changing – even life-saving – for those living with lupus.  Yet, they carry serious side-effects and can disrupt your quality of life.  So, how to balance the good with the bad?  Under physician supervision, carefully tapering your steroid dosages –even eliminating them – may be the answer.  Read on to…

Selenium may be the most important nutrient that you have never heard of.  Yet, it is vital for maintaining overall health and reducing the inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases like lupus. Read on to learn more about the relationship between selenium, inflammation and SLE. What is selenium and why is it important for your health?…

The pituitary is the most important endocrine gland in your body and autoimmune hypophysitis, though rare, is a condition that can dramatically affect your health and your life with lupus.  How?  Read on to find out! The 30-second Overview Your Pituitary – A Quick Overview Autoimmune Hypophysitis – A Quick Overview Autoimmune Hypophysitis and Lupus…

Your skin is amazing!  It is your first line of defense against foreign germs, yet simultaneously, an incredibly complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and more that make up your skin’s natural microbiome.  It is also where lupus can make its most obvious appearance – with rashes, sores, alopecia and even scaring.   So, how do…

Those living with lupus have a higher risk of developing diabetes.  Yet, there are many ways to reduce these risks and maintain good health!  What are the risks, what are the signs to look for, and what does it take to successfully manage both lupus and diabetes?  Read on to find out!   Introduction: The…

Blood disorders can be a common complication of living with lupus. One of the most common is called thrombocytopenia – a low platelet count. Thrombocytopenia affects between 20% and 40% of those with SLE and is a good indicator of how life-threating lupus can be. So, it is worth learning more about it! Introduction Thrombocytopenia…

Lupus can attack any part of the body, and that includes the brain – causing lupus fog, memory problems and even mood swings.  Neurotransmitters, are your brain’s chemical messengers and they are definitely part of the possible.  What are neurotransmitters and why does it matter to those living with lupus?  Read on to find out! …

The relationship between lupus and cancer is very complex.  There is a higher risk for some cancers, a lower risk for others, and even some lupus medications can increase the risks.  Read on to take a closer look at the links between living with lupus and the risk for cancer, and find out what you…

Lupus is a complex disease, and its history, which spans centuries, is just as complex – an amazing story of discovery from 400 BC to the present.  Read on for a brief outline of the history of lupus. Introduction The History of Lupus The Classical Period The Neoclassical Period The Modern Period In Conclusion Introduction…

Infections are a significant cause of concern for those with lupus, accounting for up to 30% of all lupus deaths!  So, what are the risks, and what can be done to lower them? Introduction to Lupus and Infections Who are at the greatest risk of infection? Which infections pose the greatest risks? Can infections cause…

Lupus is such a complex and poorly understood disease that it can be difficult for patients and healthcare providers to even talk about, much less treat.  So, researchers at the Duke Lupus Clinic have proposed a new approach that may hold the key to better conversations – and even better science – when it comes…