Interstitial cystitis with lupus: Symptoms, treatment, and more

Individuals with lupus may be at a higher risk of developing interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition characterized by inflammation, pain, and pressure in the bladder.

Interstitial cystitis, also known as bladder pain syndrome, is a chronic condition that causes persistent urinary problems and pain in the bladder and lower abdomen. Medical treatment can help manage the symptoms of lupus and cystitis.

Scientists do not know the precise causes of the condition, but associate it with several autoimmune disorders, including lupus.

Some research suggests that people with interstitial cystitis may also have lupus, which is 34 times more frequent than in the larger population. Other research suggests people with lupus may be more than twice as likely to develop interstitial cystitis.

Cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder.

Bacterial infection is a common cause of acute cystitis, which occurs suddenly and often resolves without treatment. Cystitis linked to lupus is chronic and is not due to infection.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system, which usually protects the body from harmful pathogens, mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This can lead to inflammation and tissue damage.

In interstitial cystitis with lupus, the immune system causes an inflammatory reaction in the bladder. Scientists believe that lupus can cause the immune system to produce malfunctioning antibodies called autoantibodies that attack certain cell receptors in the bladder. This can cause inflammation and disrupt the bladder’s ability to function.

Some scientists suggest interstitial cystitis may be an autoimmune condition based on evidence of increased autoantibodies in people with it.

Scientists do not fully understand why autoimmune conditions like lupus occur, but believe there is involvement of a combination of a person’s genetics and environment

There is no specific test to diagnose interstitial cystitis, and doctors may use examinations and tests to rule out other potential causes of symptoms. These include:

Scientists do not fully understand the causes of lupus, and a person cannot prevent the condition or related conditions like interstitial cystitis. However, there are steps a person can take to reduce their risks or improve their bladder symptoms. These include:

Bladder functioning may decrease, and symptoms of interstitial cystitis may worsen without treatment. Some people with the condition also experience sexual and intimacy difficulties, and psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

Lupus and interstitial cystitis are chronic conditions that doctors cannot cure.

Interstitial cystitis tends to remain stable, and urinary symptoms and discomfort can remain at the same level of severity for up to nine years. Some people experience spontaneous resolution, while the condition may continue to recur in others. It is not life threatening, and treatment can help manage the symptoms.

Survival rates for lupus are 85 to 90% during the first 10 years. How the disease manifests can affect a person’s outlook, as leading causes of mortality from lupus include renal disease, heart disease, and infections. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent organ damage and improve the outlook.

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic form of bladder inflammation that is not due to infection. Scientists associate the condition with several autoimmune disorders, including lupus.

Lupus may cause the immune system to attack healthy bladder tissue, which can cause pain, inflammation, and urinary symptoms.

Lupus and interstitial cystitis are chronic conditions that doctors cannot cure. However, treatment can help manage the symptoms and improve the outlook of the conditions.