The Lived Experience of Lupus Flares: Features, Triggers, and Management in an Australian Female Cohort
Table 3
Patient reported flare triggers.
Borderline SLE ACR 3+1 ()
SLE ACR 4+ ()
All patients ()
Number (%)
Number (%)
Number (%)
Could you identify any triggers to these events?
Stress
13 (61.9)
41 (51.6)
54 (53.5)
Doing too much/run down
9 (42.9)
38 (47.5)
47 (37.6)
Sunlight exposure
5 (23.8)
32 (40)
37 (36.6)
Weather/temperature changes
4 (19)
16 (20)
20 (19.8)
Overheating
5 (23.8)
15 (18.8)
20 (19.8)
Infection
3 (14.3)
13 (16.3)
16 (15.8)
Lack of sleep/insomnia
2 (9.5)
11 (13.8)
13 (12.9)
Cold temperatures
1 (4.8)
9 (11.3)
10 (9.9)
Work
2 (9.5)
7 (8.8)
9 (8.9)
Being upset
3 (14.3)
6 (7.5)
9 (8.9)
Strong chemical exposure
4 (19.1)
4 (5)
8 (7.9)
Change in medicines
2 (9.5)
6 (7.5)
8 (7.9)
Fluorescent light exposure
1 (4.8)
5 (6.3)
6 (5.9)
Foods (spicy, bread)
3 (14.3)
3 (3.8)
6 (5.9)
Hormonal periods
5 (6.3)
5 (5)
Note: Other triggers reported in small numbers were dehydration, alcohol, long car journeys, inactivity, Christmas, gardening, allergic reaction, isolation, smoking, grandchildren, air conditioning, excitement, late night, and partying hard.
