Lupus  

Kimberly Bolling, MD Our Services Lupus

Kimberly Bolling, MD

Internist located in Bowie, MD

Lupus, which makes the body attack itself, can cause very painful and frustrating symptoms, such as fatigue and pain. Dr. Kimberly L. Bolling is highly experienced at diagnosing and treating lupus, and she can help you get the relief you need at her self-titled practice in Bowie, Maryland. For expert care, book an appointment online or over the phone today.

Lupus Q & A

What is lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune illness that causes your body to attack itself. If you have lupus, your body produces autoantibodies that destroy both healthy and damaged body tissue. Lupus can affect nearly every part of your body, causing symptoms that may include:

  • Joint pain
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Swelling around your joints
  • Rashes on your nose and cheeks
  • Raised skin rash anywhere on your body after sun exposure
  • Blood clots
  • Ulcers in and around your mouth

Usually, symptoms occur in sporadic flare-ups followed by remissions. Then the symptoms usually cycle back at some point.

Am I at risk for lupus?

You may be at risk for lupus if you're in any of the following groups.

  • Female
  • Aged 15-44
  • A non-white race, especially black or Hispanic
  • A family history of lupus

Many patients who live with lupus have more than one of these risk factors, but in rare cases, it's possible to develop lupus with no common risk factors.

Why do flare-ups happen?

Flare-ups are one of the most difficult parts of managing lupus. Although you can't always predict when the next flare-up will come, you may be able to minimize the number of flare-ups you have with the help of Dr. Bolling. She may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce the possibility of getting flare-ups, including:

  • Improved diet
  • Increased exercise
  • Stress-reduction exercises
  • Sun avoidance

In addition to taking steps to avoid flare-ups, Dr. Bolling may prescribe medications.

What types of medications treat lupus?

There are several kinds of medications that can help with lupus. These include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications for inflammation and pain
  • Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, for swelling and pain
  • Antimalarial drugs to reduce rashes and joint pain
  • Immunosuppressive medications to reduce inflammation and control your immune system
  • Anticoagulants to thin your blood and prevent clotting

Dr. Bolling will customize a treatment plan based on your specific lupus symptoms.

Don't let lupus keep you from living life to its fullest. Book appointment with Dr. Kimberly L. Bolling online or over the phone today.

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