Conditions - Autoimmune Disease - Systemic lupus erythematosis
Patrick Massey MD, PhD ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy, Elk Grove Village Il and serving the Chicago area
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect all organs of the body. In SLE, the immune system attacks the cells, resulting in inflammation and, ultimately, cell and organ death.
SLE often manifests in the heart, joints, skin, lungs, kidneys and central nervous system. SLE can vary from mild to remission to life threatening. SLE occurs nine times more often in women, ages fifteen to thirty-five and is more common in those of non-European descent. Patients often complain of fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pain and problems with memory and cognition.
SLE does run in families, but no single gene has been identified. It seems to be a combination of multiple genes and undefined environmental trigger(s). It has been suggested that certain viruses and bacteria may be the environmental trigger, but no pathogen has been consistently linked to SLE.
The traditional medical therapy for SLE has changed dramatically over the pst few decades. Pain medications include nonsteroidal and steroids. Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) suppress the immune system and prevent long term joint damage and disability and the newer biologic – based drugs can be effective.
Healthier patients do better. Complementary and alternative therapies may help.
Proper nutrition may reduce pain – increased dietary antioxidants may reduce pain
Acupuncture (click here) can reduce pain and enhance function and range of motion. Electroacupuncture is especially beneficial
Leaky gut syndrome (click here) may increase symptoms…ALT-MED approach to correcting leaky gut syndrome is very successful
Massage (click here) increases blood flow, relaxes tissues, reduces pain and increases function
Select vitamins, dietary supplements (DHEA) and herbs can reduce inflammation and pain and may improve immune function
Intravenous vitamins (click here) and antioxidants have been of significant benefits to ALT-MED patients with SLE
Let us help you…call (847) 923-0046 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Massey
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