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How common is it to have multiple autoimmune conditions with lupus?

It's quite common for people with lupus to have additional autoimmune conditions. Many MyLupusTeam members share experiences of living with multiple diagnoses.

Regarding Sjögren's specifically, health experts estimate that up to 14% to 17.8% of people with Show Full Answer

How common is it to have multiple autoimmune conditions with lupus?

It's quite common for people with lupus to have additional autoimmune conditions. Many MyLupusTeam members share experiences of living with multiple diagnoses.

Regarding Sjögren's specifically, health experts estimate that up to 14% to 17.8% of people with lupus also have Sjögren's disease. One member shared, "I have both lupus and Sjögren's," while another said, "I have Sjögren's, lupus, and vitiligo."

When someone has more than one condition at the same time, it's called a comorbidity. About 10% of people living with lupus are also living with Sjögren's syndrome. Why do these conditions occur together?

Inflammation is the common thread connecting lupus and Sjögren's disease. Both are autoimmune conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues instead of protecting the body from harmful invaders.

In lupus, high inflammation levels cause symptoms like:
- Joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Potential organ damage over time (especially kidneys)

Sjögren's also stems from inflammation and can cause similar symptoms to lupus, including:
- Joint pain
- Skin rashes
- Kidney problems
- Dry eyes and dry mouth (more specific to Sjögren's due to salivary gland involvement)

Some autoantibodies found in Sjögren's can also appear in lupus, though having these antibodies doesn't automatically mean you have both conditions. What should you discuss with your doctor?

Your rheumatologist is your best resource for determining whether you have one or multiple diagnoses. They can help distinguish between conditions since symptoms often overlap.

One MyLupusTeam member explained: "I actually have Sjögren's and haven't technically tested positive for lupus. I'm going to my rheumatologist to get my joint pain under control. I've been having sharp chest pains for four years, thinking it was my heart murmur or bronchitis, but those tests were negative."

Diagnosing Sjögren's may include:
- Blood tests for certain antibodies
- Biopsy of salivary glands, lips, or tear glands

If you have questions about whether you might be living with other conditions along with lupus, reach out to your rheumatology team for further evaluation. Treatment approaches for multiple conditions

Treatment for Sjögren's typically focuses on managing symptoms:
- Artificial tears or anti-inflammatory eye drops for dry eyes
- Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers for vaginal dryness
- Oral medications like pilocarpine hydrochloride or cevimeline to stimulate tear and saliva production

Some medications can treat both lupus and Sjögren's:
- Corticosteroids like prednisone
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen

You may need to periodically change medications or adjust dosages to keep up with changing or worsening symptoms, especially during flare-ups.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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