Lupus

Lupus

Lupus or SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) is one of the auto-immune diseases where the body appears to attack itself because it doesn’t recognise the tissue it is attacking. Lupus, like other auto-immune conditions, is a chronic condition that affects the sufferer for some time. Symptoms of lupus are either confined to the skin, called discoid lupus, or affect the joints, as well as some internal organs.

For most people, lupus is mild condition that is relatively easy to control by avoiding triggers and stress, and by taking medication to treat the symptoms when the condition is having a flare-up. It is also important to enjoy the periods of remission.

In New Zealand, lupus is relatively common; women as well as Māori and Pacific people are more likely to develop lupus.

Lupus sufferers report feeling tired and having aching joints, particularly in the wrists, fingers and feet at the start of their illness. These vague symptoms persist while other conditions, such as skin rashes, occur in a pattern that indicates that lupus may be causing the symptoms.

Once diagnosed, lupus is usually treated with anti-inflammatory medicines. Often pain relieving medicines, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, are used, but occasionally severe lupus is managed with steroids and other disease-modifying medicines.

When you or one of your family or friends is diagnosed with lupus, it is important for them to realise what makes the condition worse, so that the triggers can be avoided in order to prevent or delay a relapse. Relaxation techniques, avoiding stress, and in particular sunlight, is helpful in managing this painful and distressing condition. Stopping smoking, as well as avoiding smoky environments, is also helpful in lessening the effects of lupus. If managed properly symptoms can disappear and these remissions can last for many months.

If lupus affects you or someone in your family then discuss your concerns with your community pharmacist. Your pharmacist can refer you to a doctor to get the condition diagnosed or excluded. They can also discuss treatments to help treat the symptoms, as well as provide advice on strategies to prevent or delay lupus flare-ups.

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

Causes of swallowing difficulties

Swallowing difficulties can happen at any age. There are a wide range of causes for them, including:

some medicines, such as antipsychotics
heartburn and acid reflux
cancer, such as mouth or throat cancers
nervous system or brain disorders
muscle disorders
blockages or structural issues with your mouth, throat or oesophagus.

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties may include:

coughing or choking when eating or drinking
bringing food back up, may be through your nose
the feeling that food is stuck in your throat
having issues chewing your food
problems with dribbling.

Swallowing difficulties can cause weight loss, dehydration and chest infections.

Diagnosing swallowing difficulties

Let your healthcare provider know if you have swallowing difficulties. They will ask you about your symptoms and check if any other health conditions you have may be the cause.

Your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist for tests. These may include a:

gastroscopy—a camera is passed down through your mouth to look at your throat and stomach
swallowing study—your throat and stomach are x-rayed as you swallow small amounts of food.

Treating swallowing difficulties

How your swallowing difficulties are treated depends on the cause and how severe it is. Treatments may include:

medicines to treat acid reflux
swallowing therapy with a speech and language therapist
making changes to what you eat and drink, such as softer foods and using thickener in drinks
using special spoons, plates and cups
surgery to widen your oesophagus.
using special medication lubricants eg Gloup to help make it easier to swallow tablets etc. For more information click here.

Self care for swallowing difficulties

As well as seeing your healthcare provider, the following tips may help you to get food or liquids into your stomach.

Sit upright in a chair—at a table is best.
Have regular small meals instead of the main large meals.
Eat or drink small mouthfuls at a time.
If your voice is gurgly when you eat or drink, give a small cough to make sure your airway is clear.
Wet food will be easier to swallow as dry food can catch in your throat.
If your food has 2 consistencies, such as fruit in juice and cereal in milk, try to mix it into 1 consistency, or eat the solid and liquid portions separately.
Concentrate on eating and avoid talking.
Hot, ice-cold or fizzy liquids are easier to swallow than room temperature liquids.
If you are told to have thickened liquids, avoid ice-cream and jelly as they thin before swallowing.
Drink from the top half of you cup to avoid tipping your head back.

Have a look at our range of Gloup medication lubricants here which can help with difficulties swallowing tablets...

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