Understanding the Link Between Interstitial Cystitis and Lupus

Understanding the Connection Between Interstitial Cystitis and Lupus

Interstitial cystitis (IC) and lupus are two chronic health conditions that primarily impact women. Although their symptoms differ, research shows these diseases overlap for some patients. Learning about this connection may lead to better management of flare-ups.

Defining IC and Lupus Individually

First, lets review interstitial cystitis and lupus separately before analyzing how they interrelate:

Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC) refers to recurring pelvic and bladder pain. The cause involves inflammation of tissue lining the bladder walls from damaged protective coating. Common symptoms include:

• Bladder pressure, fullness, or painful urination
• Frequent urination day and night
• Urgent need to urinate
• Pelvic area discomfort or pain

While both genders develop IC, it largely impacts women. Risk increases with age, typically affecting those 30 to 50 years old. Treatment focuses on pain management and lifestyle changes.

Lupus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, stems from ones immune system becoming hyperactive and producing antibodies that attack healthy tissue. Women ages 15 to 44 make up over 90% of diagnosed cases.

Hallmark symptoms involve inflammation and damage to skin, joints, kidneys, brain, blood cells, or other areas. No singular test confirms lupus. Instead, physicians rely on clinical evaluation and certain diagnostic criteria.

The Association Between These Conditions

Research reveals IC strikes people with lupus more frequently than the general population. Studies found:

• Around 8.5% of lupus patients had IC versus 1.7% of control groups.
• Almost 16% of individuals with both lupus and Sjogrens syndrome (another autoimmune disorder) experienced IC as well.

Furthermore, certain patients see their IC and lupus symptoms flare in tandem. What aspects do these diseases have in common driving this connection?

Shared Underlying Mechanisms

Doctors remain uncertain about precisely why lupus raises IC risk. However, some key factors likely contribute, including:

• Systemic inflammation - Chronic inflammation hallmarks both IC and lupus.
• Urinary tract issues - Lupus can induce kidney inflammation and compromise the bladder.
• Autoimmunity - Each condition involves the body attacking its own healthy tissues.
• Hormonal aspects - Estrogen links to the development of IC, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders.
• Genetic susceptibility - Certain genes make people more prone to these illnesses.

In essence, lupus generates an internal perfect storm for IC to then develop and cause bladder discomfort.

Steps for Getting Properly Diagnosed

Since IC and lupus symptoms overlap, getting accurately diagnosed poses challenges. You may undergo tests for one condition before determining the other disease drives certain manifestations.

Steps doctors often take when evaluating IC and lupus together include:

• History and physical exam - Discuss symptoms and undergo evaluation of various body systems.
• Pelvic exam - Assess bladder tenderness or discomfort.
• Urine tests - Evaluate urine composition for infection or other abnormalities.
• Cystoscopy - Use a scope to visually examine the bladders interior lining.
• Imaging tests - Capture images of the urinary tract using CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds.
• Biopsy - Take bladder tissue samples to analyze under a microscope.
• Bloodwork - Check antibody presence and kidney function via complete blood count tests, sedimentation rate, and creatinine levels.

Compare test results against diagnostic criteria for both IC and lupus to reach accurate diagnoses. Ongoing follow-up care then determines treatment approaches.

Treatments That Alleviate Discomfort

Once properly diagnosed, custom treatment plans aim to ease symptoms of IC and lupus through:

• Prescription medications - Options for controlling bladder pain and inflammation include Elmiron, Lidocaine, pentosan polysulfate sodium, hydroxyzine, and Uracyst.
• Over-the-counter medications - For mild cases, providers may suggest trying supplements like prelief, CystoProtek, or Desert Harvest Aloe Vera.
• Bladder instillations - Instilling liquid medication directly into the bladder often effectively relieves discomfort.
• Lifestyle modifications - Avoid bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, citrus juices, tomato products, artificial sweeteners, and spicy foods.
• Pelvic floor therapy - Work with a physical therapist to release tight pelvic muscles contributing to pain.
• Stress reduction techniques - Relaxation methods like yoga, meditation, therapeutic massage, and certain IC diet plans calm the nervous system.
• Alternative medicine approaches - Some patients use acupuncture, naturopathic supplements, or Chinese herbal formulas to ease symptoms.

What works best differs among individuals based on symptom severity, onset of relief needed, side effect risks, and personal preference. Having an illness like lupus simultaneously may also factor into treatment decisions.

Steps Patients Can Take to Prevent Flare-Ups

While no definitive cure exists for interstitial cystitis or lupus, patients can take proactive measures to prevent aggravating symptoms. Try these self-care tips:

• Stress less - Effectively coping with stress prevents immune responses that trigger flares.
• Get enough sleep - Prioritize 7 to 9 hours nightly so your body can repair itself.
• Exercise wisely- Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, stretching, and gentle yoga benefit without taxing the body.
• Quit smoking - Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, which correlate to worse lupus and IC symptoms.
• Drink plenty of fluids - Stay well hydrated, limiting beverages that may irritate the bladder.
• Eat a clean diet - An anti-inflammatory eating pattern high in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, legumes, nuts and seeds proves best.
• Take supplements - Discuss options like Vitamin D, Omega-3 fish oil, curcumin, selenium, magnesium, and vitamins C, E, B6, and B12.
• Practice good bathroom habits - Urinate as soon as the need arises without holding it. Always empty the bladder fully.

While IC and lupus cannot always be prevented, minimizing flare factors bolsters quality of life significantly. Being your own health advocate aids in recovering faster.

The Takeaway

Research confirms a correlation between interstitial cystitis and lupus, likely due to common autoimmune mechanisms. Getting accurately diagnosed poses initial challenges. Once properly identified, custom treatments aim to control uncomfortable symptoms impacting the bladder and beyond via medications, lifestyle changes, stress-reduction techniques, and wise self-care choices.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.