Yes, lupus can absolutely affect the bowels and digestive system. Between 40% and 60% of people with lupus will experience some type of digestive issue at some point. As one MyLupusTeam member shared, "I am sick to my stomach almost every day." Lupus can cause inflammation in several parts of the digestive tract, including Show Full Answer
Yes, lupus can absolutely affect the bowels and digestive system. Between 40% and 60% of people with lupus will experience some type of digestive issue at some point. As one MyLupusTeam member shared, "I am sick to my stomach almost every day." Lupus can cause inflammation in several parts of the digestive tract, including the intestines and bowel. Some specific conditions that can develop include:
- Lupus enteritis – inflammation of the bowel wall
- Vasculitis – inflammation of the intestinal blood vessels
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – causing gas, constipation, diarrhea, and stomach pain
- Intestinal pseudo-obstruction – where the body acts as if there's a bowel blockage when there isn't one
- Peritonitis – inflammation of the abdominal lining
Common bowel-related symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It's worth noting that lupus medications can also contribute to bowel issues. NSAIDs, steroids, and azathioprine (Imuran) can all affect the gastrointestinal tract. Tracking when symptoms start can help a rheumatologist pinpoint whether lupus itself or a medication is the cause.
May 4
Yes I have been experiencing stomach problems myself from pain and indegestion every day
May 4
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