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June 1
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MyLupusTeam

Nausea and dizziness while eating or drinking are real and frustrating experiences for many people with lupus. You're definitely not alone in dealing with this!

There are several possible causes, and it can sometimes take a bit of detective work with your healthcare team to figure out what's behind your specific symptoms Show Full Answer

Nausea and dizziness while eating or drinking are real and frustrating experiences for many people with lupus. You're definitely not alone in dealing with this!

There are several possible causes, and it can sometimes take a bit of detective work with your healthcare team to figure out what's behind your specific symptoms. Here are some common reasons these symptoms can occur with lupus:

- Lupus inflammation — Lupus can inflame the esophagus, intestines, pancreas, liver, and other digestive organs, leading to nausea and stomach discomfort
- Peptic ulcers — Common lupus medications like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) and corticosteroids (prednisone) can cause stomach ulcers, which trigger nausea and pain
- Acid reflux (GERD) — Lupus can weaken the esophagus, allowing stomach acid to travel upward, causing nausea, heartburn, and trouble swallowing
- Intestinal pseudo-obstruction — Your body acts as if there's a bowel blockage when there isn't, causing nausea, bloating, and vomiting
- Infections — Abdominal infections related to lupus can cause inflammation or fluid buildup, leading to nausea
- Medication side effects — Drugs like azathioprine (Imuran) and steroids can affect the pancreas and liver, contributing to digestive symptoms It's worth keeping track of when symptoms happen — for example, whether they're tied to specific foods, medications, or times of day. Sharing that pattern with your rheumatology team can help pinpoint the cause and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

If you ever notice dark or black stools alongside nausea, contact your healthcare provider right away, as that can signal a more serious issue like internal bleeding.

June 1
A MyLupusTeam Member

GI issues seem prevalent in autoimmune conditions. I'm slowly researching supplements that help. Many of us have gut issues due to leaky gut, liver issues, and/or kidney issues. I've been working on my liver issues with herbals/supplements like Berberine, Sodium Butyrate, Milk Thistle, NAC, & Glutathione. I've been taking Prebiotic Fiber, Digestive Enzymes, and Probiotics for my gut. It's been a few weeks, and I've had less heart burn, nausea, and IBS. I've also noticed my muscles hurt less and my skin rash is clearing. The gut and liver can drive a lot of hell with autoimmune conditions. My rheumatologists gave up on me after I had a bad reaction to Methotrexate. Now, they are gaslighting me, which is typical of people who don't know what they are doing. So, I'm just trying to work on what I can to better my situation, researching every supplement against other conditions I have and current medications for possible side effects. I might as well use AI while it's free to use, after all!

June 2
A MyLupusTeam Member

I have had digestive issues my entire life so I can't help much. But I feel very full after eating (no matter how small the amount or soft the food is) also nausea I've chocked on even water. But I've noticed it happens more frequently and wonder if lupus affects pre-existing conditions. Sometimes the nausea happens for no reason not eating or drinking, it just happens. I've had stomach scopes ect.. nothing shows up. I hope you can find answers and let us know how you're doing. Prayers to you.

June 2
A MyLupusTeam Member

Same here everyday is a blessing even if I'm feeling bad. I've read about so many other sufferers and they are worse off than I am. And as a child I was so sick (not autoimmune disease) but was hospitalized in Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital in Cleveland Ohio. I've moved to be by my son, BUT anyway I saw at a very young age other kids were sicker than I was. Sorry for going on & on But Everyday is a Blessing, even if I'm miserable and feel like crap.

June 3
A MyLupusTeam Member

Same here @A MyLupusTeam Member I've been sick all my life, don't know what it feels like to be healthy, independent, able-bodied. I'd probably not know what to do with a healthy body🤷🏽‍♀️

June 3

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