Lupus

Nardella Clinic Naturopathic Doctors work with Lupus patients primarily to moderate disease progression and limit symptoms.  A combination of Naturopathic and Allopathic approaches (integrative medicine) works best.

Lupus or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is classified as a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the body systemically because the immune system reacts to the individual’s own organs and tissues. This causes high levels of inflammation and affects a variety of tissues such as: joints, kidneys, skin, heart, brain and blood cells.

Since Lupus is an autoimmune condition it can co-exist with other autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease, Sjogren’s disease, Idiopathic Thrombocyotopenia Purpura (ITP) and hemolytic anemia.

A lot of times, Lupus can be diagnosed late because it can present similarly to other diseases. One key feature of lupus that is not always present in an individual positive for the disease is a “malar” rash or a rash that looks like a “butterfly” over the patient face; covering only the nose and cheeks. The Naturopathic Doctors at the Nardella Clinic have experience identifying signs of Lupus and can then recommend the appropriate diagnostic testing.

Symptomatic episodes can be triggered by pharmacological agents (antibiotics, anti-hypertensives and anti-epileptic), infections that compromise the immune system and sometimes even sunlight.

Our goal as Naturopathic Doctors, is to regulate the immune system to prevent such lapses and triggers and also help to control symptoms. Some of these symptoms can include and are not limited to:

• Joint pain, stiffness, swelling and redness
• Impaired cognition, memory loss
• Chest pain, shortness of breath
• Vision disturbances
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Skin conditions worse with sunlight