What is a lupus flare?

A lupus flare refers to a sudden increase in disease activity, characterized by the exacerbation of symptoms or the emergence of new symptoms associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This can occur due to various triggers such as stress, infections, or exposure to sunlight. The nature of a flare is that it typically requires medical attention and may necessitate adjustments to the patient's medication regimen to help manage the heightened activity of the disease.

In the context of lupus, recognizing and treating flares promptly is crucial for controlling the disease and preventing further complications. Flare-ups can affect multiple organ systems, and managing them often involves the use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive agents to bring the disease activity back under control.

The other options do not accurately describe a lupus flare. A period of decreased disease activity refers to remission rather than a flare. Complete recovery from symptoms implies a resolution of the disease, which is not typical for a chronic condition like lupus. Lastly, the idea that a flare strictly requires hospitalization is misleading; while some flares may necessitate inpatient care, many can be managed effectively on an outpatient basis with medication adjustments.