Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the various tissues and organs. As a result, a lupus patient is likely to develop inflammation in the various joints and organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs. The exact cause of this condition is unknown and it is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms tend to mimic those of other illnesses.

The dos and don’ts for living with lupus include the following:

1. Do: Take medication regularly
If you have been diagnosed with lupus, you must take the required medication as prescribed. Lupus can cause debilitating pain, which makes it important that you adhere to the instructions and medications given by the doctor.

2. Don’t: Smoke
Recent evidence shows that smoking regularly can act as a lupus trigger and cause fresh lupus attacks. Additionally, smoking can cause flare-ups to worsen. So, one of the effective tips is to quit smoking completely.

3. Do: Consult your doctor and get the lab work done
Since lupus is an auto-immune disease, it can affect various parts of your body. Given this, you will need to consult your doctor regularly and get updated lab results. This would enable your doctor to treat your current condition accurately.

4. Don’t: Plan a pregnancy
If you have been diagnosed with lupus and are planning to start a family, you must consult a doctor right away. Since lupus puts your body under tremendous stress, pregnancy would further worsen your health. This could put your and the child’s health in danger.

5. Do: Research information
After you are diagnosed with this condition, it is important to research and read up more on lupus. This will help you understand what lupus is all about. Moreover, learning certain lifestyle changes for lupus could help you cope with your condition in a better way.

6. Don’t: Forget to wear sunscreen regularly
One effective lifestyle tip for lupus is to stay away from sunlight as much as possible. On account of lupus, your skin can develop rashes and discoloration. You may also need to use sunscreen on your body all year long.

7. Do: Exercise regularly
If you suffer from lupus, it is advised to exercise regularly, as it keeps you fit and in prime health. As lupus affects various parts of your body, a healthy workout can do wonders for your cardiovascular system and even help improve your muscles.

These are some of the essential dos and don’ts and lifestyle tips for lupus that you need to adopt. The tips and suggestions enable you to live a better life. It should be pointed out that lupus can occur due to causes but with the right treatment, medication, and a few lifestyle changes can help you lead a near-normal life.