Lupus (SLE)
An autoimmune condition where the body's defences turn on its own tissues — what lupus is, the signs to watch for, and how a consultant rheumatologist can help.
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a long-term autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation.
That inflammation can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood and other organs. It tends to follow a pattern of flares, when symptoms worsen, and quieter spells in between. Lupus varies enormously from one person to the next — many people stay well with the right treatment, and the aim of care is to calm the immune system, settle flares and protect the organs over the long term.
Symptoms of lupus (sle).
Lupus is often called a great imitator — its symptoms come and go, vary widely between people, and can be mistaken for other conditions, which is why a flare can take time to pin down.
Why it happens.
Lupus develops when the immune system loses its tolerance and starts to attack the body's own tissues. There's no single cause — it's thought to arise from a combination of factors, with certain things known to raise the risk or set off a flare.
Don't wait for it to settle.
Early assessment helps you get the right treatment sooner. See a specialist if:
Diagnosed by examination and blood tests.
There's no single test for lupus. Dr Subhra Raghuvanshi, Consultant Rheumatologist, will take a careful history, examine you, and arrange blood tests — including antibody tests such as ANA and anti-dsDNA, inflammatory markers, blood counts and kidney function — to build the picture. Urine tests and, where needed, imaging help show whether organs are involved. Because lupus can evolve, diagnosis is sometimes confirmed over more than one visit.
How lupus (sle) is treated.
Lupus can't be cured, but it can be controlled. Treatment is tailored to which parts of the body are affected, with the aim of settling flares and protecting your organs over time.
A thorough appointment with Dr Raghuvanshi to review your symptoms, arrange the right blood and urine tests, and reach a clear diagnosis and plan.
Ongoing treatment to calm the immune system and control flares — this may involve anti-inflammatories, hydroxychloroquine, steroids or immune-modulating medicines, chosen and monitored to suit your condition.
Where lupus is causing a single painful, swollen joint, a targeted steroid injection can ease inflammation directly. Your consultant will advise whether it's appropriate.
Practical support around sun protection, pacing, and monitoring — alongside medical treatment — to reduce how often flares occur.
Seen in days — not months on a list.
A named specialist, not a junior — all the way through.
Every price published and confirmed in writing.
Seen privately, without the wait.
We bill major UK insurers directly.
Can I see a consultant rheumatologist about lupus without going through my GP first? +
You're welcome to book directly with Dr Subhra Raghuvanshi at Bridge House Clinic — a GP letter isn't required to arrange your appointment. That said, lupus involves several organs, so it's helpful to bring any relevant records or previous blood results, and we'll happily liaise with your GP about ongoing care.
What does it cost to be assessed for lupus here? +
An initial rheumatology consultation with Dr Raghuvanshi is £220. If a single inflamed joint needs a steroid injection, that starts from £350 for a small joint and from £450 for a larger one. Blood and urine tests to confirm a lupus diagnosis are arranged separately, and we'll explain any costs clearly before going ahead.
Is lupus something that can be cured? +
Lupus is a long-term condition rather than one that's cured, but with the right treatment most people control it well and lead full lives. The focus of care is calming the immune system, settling flares quickly and protecting the kidneys, heart and other organs over time.
How will the clinic work out whether I actually have lupus? +
Lupus isn't diagnosed by one result — Dr Raghuvanshi combines your symptoms, an examination and a panel of blood tests, including antibody tests such as ANA and anti-dsDNA, with urine checks for kidney involvement. Because lupus can develop gradually, the picture is sometimes confirmed across more than one appointment.
Can a flare be a medical emergency? +
It can. Most flares are managed with adjustments to your treatment, but warning signs such as chest pain, breathlessness, swelling pointing to kidney involvement, or new confusion or seizures need urgent care — go to A&E or call 999 rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Don't put up with it.
Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.