Bladder Pain in Lupus

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), causes different symptoms in different people. One symptom you could experience is bladder pain.

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder. In lupus, your immune system damages your body, causing inflammation in joints, organ systems, skin, blood vessels and other areas.

Bladder Pain

Lupus can cause inflammation in the bladder, leading to painful bladder syndrome, or interstitial cystitis. If you have interstitial cystitis, you may experience intense bladder pain and pressure.

Significance

More women than men are diagnosed with lupus. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, interstitial bladder is more common in women than men, too.

Treatments

Pain caused by an inflamed bladder can be treated with oral pain relievers, tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, bladder instillation with dimethyl sulfoxide or with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Considerations

There is no cure for lupus or for interstitial cystitis. Doctors will tailor your treatment to find what best alleviates your symptoms and improves your quality of life.

References

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Painful Bladder Syndrome
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Lupus
• International Painful Bladder Foundation: Associated Disorders