Thanks to MedicAlert Foundation, I have a resource where all my physicians are now accessible in one place; that place is my wrist. I am no longer concerned about an urgent health crisis occurring because I know that the onsite healthcare professionals will have the ability to connect with and contact my doctors immediately.
Medical IDs for Lupus
The confidence to live with lupus
Getting a lupus diagnosis can be devastating and emotional. Understanding lupus, what it is and how to manage the condition will help you create a positive treatment plan. Here is some information about lupus and why wearing a MedicAlert ID can help keep you safe.
A medical ID for lupus gives those with the condition and their families peace of mind knowing that first responders will have access to their vital medical information in an emergency. Pairing a MedicAlert ID with a MedicAlert membership plan provides even greater protection in an emergency.
How MedicAlert protects those living with lupus
One thing you shouldn’t worry about is what could happen if there’s an emergency. MedicAlert’s protection plans offer benefits that extend beyond the ID, providing safety and peace of mind for people living with lupus.
24/7 Emergency Response
Our team provides first responders the information they need to provide fast, accurate care.
Digital Health Profile
All your vital information, all in one place for you and your caregiver.
Emergency Contact Notification
In an emergency, we connect families so that no one is alone in a crisis.
Patient Instructions
Share the information that’s important to your care, such as use of rescue medications or contraindication for tests like MRIs.
Pair a medical ID for lupus with the protection plan that’s right for you.
What is lupus?
According to the Lupus Foundation – lupus is a chronic (long-term) disease that can cause inflammation and pain in any part of your body. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system — the body system that usually fights infections — attacks healthy tissue instead.
Although there are many different symptoms of lupus, the disease is characterized by inflammation and pain. Because it is a chronic autoimmune disease, people who have lupus can experience relapses on and off after the initial symptoms. Accurate lupus facts and statistics are difficult to pin down as the condition is not yet well-understood.
Symptoms of lupus
People with lupus experience a wide range of symptoms. The most distinctive symptom is a facial rash in the shape of a butterfly, starting underneath the eyes and extending down the cheeks. However, not everyone with lupus will develop this type of rash.
Other symptoms of lupus include mysterious rashes, joint pain, fatigue, skin lesions affected by sun exposure, fever, headaches, shortness of breath, and dry eyes. These are not the only symptoms, however—inflammation can cause many different issues. Because there are so many potential symptoms and many possible explanations for these health problems, many people with lupus go undiagnosed for a long time.
What to engrave on MedicAlert medical IDs for lupus:
MedicAlert offers free custom engraving on all our lupus bracelets and medical ID products. The engraving on your lupus medical ID should include any critical medical information that can protect and save your life if you are in an accident or have a medical emergency, for example:
- Medical conditions
- Medications
- Allergies
- Implanted devices
- Any medical information that needs to be communicated to first responders
Sample engraving. Consult our team if you need help engraving your medical ID for lupus.
How is lupus diagnosed?
Diagnosis is often challenging, partly because the symptoms can be a sign of many other health problems. They may also come and go or change over time, making it even harder to pinpoint the issue. There is no definitive test for lupus, so doctors must often rule out other conditions in order to make a diagnosis.
If lupus is suspected, a doctor will usually check for signs of inflammation first. These can include swelling, heat, redness, pain, and loss of function. Since lupus can cause inflammation in any area of the body, it can be a challenge to detect a problem even in people who have developed the condition.
Beyond a discussion of symptoms and a physical exam, the doctor may order lab tests and look into the person’s medical history. If they have a history of autoimmune problems or their close family members are living with autoimmune diseases, lupus may be more likely. Lab tests may include:
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test—to check for excessive immune system activity
- Blood count—measuring different types of blood cells
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate—to check for potential systemic issues
- Other tests to detect problems in specific organ systems, such as the kidneys and liver
In cases that are difficult to diagnose, the person may be referred to a rheumatologist for further consultation and testing. Multiple lab tests can help doctors gain clarity about whether or not an individual has lupus. However, the condition is notoriously difficult to diagnose.
A medical ID for lupus can play a pivotal role in effectively managing the condition
People who are living with lupus can usually benefit from medications to help control their symptoms. Because the condition affects people in different ways, each person must consult with their doctor to create a customized treatment plan.
Some medications that can help ease symptoms include over-the-counter pain medications, corticosteroids, antimalarial drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologic drugs. It may take some experimentation to find the right combination of medications.
Lifestyle changes can also help with lupus management. A healthy diet and exercise can help keep symptoms under control. People who have lupus should meet with their doctor regularly to stay on top of any changes.
Sun exposure is known to trigger flare-ups, so people living with lupus are advised to stay out of the sun when possible and to use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. It is also important for people who have lupus to avoid smoking, as doing so can have a negative impact on lupus symptoms and management.
Having medical information close at hand is also important for those with lupus. Medical IDs for lupus can be crucial for ensuring that healthcare providers have all the information they need to provide treatment quickly in case of an emergency.
Getting a lupus diagnosis can be emotionally challenging. Luckily, there are resources and support groups online for people living with this chronic condition. Feeling supported can go a long way towards managing lupus.
Lupus Foundation of America improves the quality of life for every person affected by lupus – through research, advocacy and providing support.
How medical IDs for lupus combined with MedicAlert Membership provide protection
- We’re your voice: If you can’t speak for yourself due to an accident or other medical emergency, your ID will speak for you – informing others about your lupus and any medications you’re taking.
- 24/7 emergency protection: In an emergency, the MedicAlert team will relay all of your critical medical information to first responders, no matter where or when your emergency happens.
- Always connected: You should never be alone in an emergency. That’s why MedicAlert will reach out to your designated contacts if you are unable to do so.
- Live with peace of mind and confidence: MedicAlert will be there for you every step of the way. You’ll have the confidence and freedom to live your life with lupus, knowing we’ve got you covered.
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information in this article is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.