Lupus Linked to Higher Risk of Interstitial Cystitis, Study Finds
Researchers have uncovered a potential link between two chronic health conditions: lupus and interstitial cystitis. People with lupus may be more than twice as likely to develop interstitial cystitis, a condition that causes inflammation, pain, and pressure in the bladder.
Interstitial cystitis, or bladder pain syndrome, is a chronic condition characterized by persistent urinary problems and pain in the bladder and lower abdomen. It is often associated with autoimmune disorders, including lupus. Scientists are still unsure about the precise causes of interstitial cystitis, but they have found that it may be 34 times more frequent in people with lupus than in the general population.
Dr. Kenneth M. Peters and colleagues have investigated the connection between these two conditions. They discovered that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, can contribute to bladder inflammation seen in interstitial cystitis. This suggests that autoimmune mechanisms may play a significant role in both conditions. Lupus cystitis, another form of bladder inflammation associated with lupus, can cause symptoms that fluctuate with lupus flares.
Treatment options for interstitial cystitis in lupus patients may include medications like cyclosporine, hydroxyzine, intravesical instillations, Botox injections, neuromodulation, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
The link between lupus and interstitial cystitis highlights the importance of understanding the autoimmune mechanisms that contribute to both conditions. Further research is needed to develop more effective treatments and improve the quality of life for people living with these chronic health issues.
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