What happens if you get a cold with lupus?

Both lupus itself and some of the medications used to treat it—especially immunosuppressants such as prednisone and Cytoxan®—can leave people vulnerable to the common cold and strains of influenza and to “opportunistic infections” that occur after bacterial contact, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, strep …

Can a cold cause a lupus flare?

While a person’s genes may increase the chance that he or she will develop lupus, it takes some kind of external trigger to set off the illness or to bring on a flare. Other known triggers can include infections, colds or viral illnesses, exhaustion, severe exposure to ultraviolet rays, or an injury.

How do you treat a cold with lupus?

Treating an infection in someone with lupus

Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics.
Fungal infections are treated with antifungal medications.
Many viral infections (such as sinus infections, bronchitis and colds) don’t respond to treatment, and shouldn’t be treated with antibiotics.

What happens when someone with lupus gets the flu?

People with lupus may be more likely to catch the flu, and more likely to have serious health problems if they catch the flu. That’s because: Having lupus means that the body’s immune system doesn’t work correctly to protect you from illnesses like the flu.

Can lupus affect sinuses?

Those with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at higher risk of sinus infections becoming serious. They are receiving a much higher dose of the treatments to fight their form of lupus and their white blood cells are much more compromised. SLE patients often die of complications from other infections.

Does lupus cause runny nose?

The most commonly reported symptom was nasal congestion (31.5%) followed by nasal itchiness (26.0%), runny nose (20.5%) and nasal dryness (19.2%).

Is lupus worse in summer or winter?

Most people with lupus will experience that their rash will be worse seasonally, depending on the person. Many people with lupus notice the rash flaring up more in the fall and winter months.

Does lupus make you feel hot and cold?

Heat intolerance and overheating are common complaints for those living with lupus. Even when the weather is cool and physical activity is low, SLE can cause a number of body temperature related effects – from unusual sweating to low-grade fevers.

What vitamins should lupus patients take?

Vitamin E, zinc, vitamin A, and the B vitamins are all beneficial in a lupus diet. Vitamin C can increase your ability to absorb iron and is a good source of antioxidants.

How does sunlight affect lupus?

Many people with lupus experience photosensitivity or unusual sensitivity to sunlight. This can trigger symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, and burning. Excess sun exposure can also cause flares in systemic lupus, triggering symptoms such as joint pain, weakness, and fatigue.

Do you get a runny nose with lupus?

What autoimmune disease causes runny nose?

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes symptoms such as sneezing, itchy nose, difficulty breathing and/or runny nose (medical term: increased nasal discharge).