Lupus tough but not hopeless to treat

December 22, 2002|By Suzy Cohen, R.Ph., Tribune Media Services.

Q. My mom has lupus and has suffered for 15 years. At this point, she's given up. She refuses her medicine because it makes her sick. What can you tell me about lupus that might help her or her doctor get her on track?

--N.L., Aurora, Colo.

A. Systemic lupus erythematosus, or "lupus," is a chronic inflammatory disorder that usually affects the skin, kidneys, blood and joints. We're not clear about the cause, but we know that the immune system gets confused about which substances in the body are foreign and which are perfectly natural, so it begins to destroy itself.

Common symptoms of lupus include swollen, achy joints; fever; fatigue; and a rash that doesn't heal, usually on the face, in a shape that mimics a butterfly. Lupus waxes and wanes. There are many under-the-radar symptoms making diagnosis a challenge.

More than 16,000 Americans develop lupus each year, mainly women. Global statistics show that Native Americans, African-Americans and Asians have a higher incidence of lupus, compared with other nationalities.

There is no cure, but conventional medicine can control the disease with prescription anti-inflammatories, anti-malaria drugs and anti-cancer drugs. Obviously, there are risks. Natural treatments are very popular, because lupus sufferers seek a treatment plan with fewer side effects.

DHEA is one popular substance that can boost the immune system, improve bone integrity and scavenge those dangerous free radicals. Even though DHEA is over-the-counter, don't take it without a physician's consent. Because of side effects, test to see if you need DHEA first.

Flaxseed oil, fish oils and cod liver oils not only lube up the joints but also reduce inflammation, protect the kidneys and so much more. I cannot emphasize this enough.

Of course, you'll need a good multivitamin daily. Additionally, take a potent antioxidant that includes vitamin A, E, C, D and selenium.

But perhaps the least-heard-about and most interesting substance is a Chinese herb called Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. Say what? Let's just call it TwHF. It's the most studied herb in China when it comes to the treatment of lupus.

Because TwHF can rev up the immune system, combat fatigue and joint pain, reduce fever and normalize certain lab findings, it is worthy of mention. But just as with prescription medication, there are risks with herbs. Side effects of TwHF include upset stomach, infertility, skin pigmentation and diarrhea, but these can be controlled or reversed. Despite its promising outcomes and good track record, no one should take TwHF without a physician's supervision.

People with lupus fare better if they give up smoking, drinking alcohol and eating junk food. Which reminds me, before taking any medicine, natural or prescribed, to test for food and gluten allergies first. Detective work such as this is key for some lupus sufferers. For general information, visit

Readers alert

A study in the Journal of American College of Cardiology suggests the use of the prescription drug digoxin (Lanoxin) by women with heart failure might do more harm than good.

