Abdominal pain may occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the abdominal lining or organs, causing inflammation and discomfort.

Abdominal pain is a common yet complex symptom for people with lupus, often caused by inflammation or side effects of medication.

This pain may vary from mild digestive issues to more serious complications affecting the organs and blood vessels.

Yes, lupus and lupus flares can cause abdominal pain.

Over 50% of people with lupus experience gastrointestinal intestinal (GI) issues, including abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. This is often due to the immune system mistakenly attacking the abdominal lining, blood vessels, or organs, leading to inflammation.

In more severe cases, this pain may arise from complications like pancreatitis or vasculitis, which require prompt medical attention.

Abdominal discomfort in lupus can also result from medication side effects, such as those from steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and conditions like pleurisy or fluid buildup.

Types of abdominal pain in lupus

The main types of abdominal pain in lupus include:

  • Mild gastrointestinal discomfort: Certain medications and inflammation of the digestive tract can lead to cramping, bloating, or mild pain.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like symptoms: Some people with lupus experience cramping and urgent bowel movements, resembling conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
  • Lupus hepatitis: Both lupus and some medications used to manage it can cause liver inflammation, or hepatitis, causing abdominal discomfort and elevated liver enzymes.
  • Pancreatitis: Lupus-related vasculitis or certain medications can contribute to pancreatitis, causing severe pain in the upper abdomen that may radiate to the back.
  • Mesenteric vasculitis: This involves inflammation of blood vessels supplying the intestines, leading to significant abdominal pain due to reduced blood flow to the area.
  • Bowel obstruction: Abdominal adhesions and lupus-related inflammation Intense cramping and inability to pass gas or have bowel movements, possibly from adhesions or lupus-related inflammation.
  • Peritonitis: A rare condition characterized by sharp, severe abdominal pain, fever, and nausea, peritonitis can be caused by infections or lupus-related complications.

Does lupus cause other gastrointestinal issues?

Lupus can also lead to the following digestive issues:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • loss of appetite
  • vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation in the digestive tract)
  • ascites (rare fluid buildup in the abdomen)
  • esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)

Treatments for lupus-related abdominal pain often focus on managing inflammation and addressing underlying complications. Some options include:

  • Corticosteroids: These may be used to reduce inflammation in the abdominal lining and other affected organs. However, corticosteroids cause gastrointestinal side effects for some.
  • NSAIDs: Available over the counter (OTC), these can help manage mild to moderate pain, though use may be limited due to potential gastrointestinal side effects.
  • Immunosuppressants: These may be used for severe cases to lower immune activity and inflammation.
  • Hydroxychloroquine: Commonly prescribed for lupus, hydroxychloroquine can reduce flare-ups and may alleviate abdominal symptoms.
  • Biologics: These drugs target specific immune pathways to reduce lupus activity in severe or refractory cases.
  • Antibiotics: If you have an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics, especially for peritonitis.
  • Antispasmodics: These help to control spasms and discomfort in the digestive tract.

For lupus-related abdominal pain, several at-home treatment strategies can help manage symptoms and provide relief:

  • Dietary modifications: Eat smaller, more frequent meals, avoid spicy and fatty foods, and drink plenty of water to reduce digestive strain.
  • Heat therapy: Use a warm compress or heating pad on the abdomen to ease muscle spasms and improve blood flow, which can help relieve pain.
  • Gentle exercise: Focus on low impact activities, such as walking or yoga, to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and improve overall inflammation.
  • Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching, to help manage stress, which can trigger or worsen pain.
  • Avoiding triggers: Avoid known food triggers, such as caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods, which can exacerbate gastrointestinal issues.
  • OTC antacids: Certain antacids or mild pain relievers can offer temporary relief, though they should be used with caution and doctor approval due to potential side effects.

Abdominal pain is a common yet often overlooked symptom in individuals with lupus, stemming from inflammation and complications associated with the disease. It can manifest as mild gastrointestinal discomfort or as part of more severe conditions like lupus peritonitis.

Effective management may include a combination of medical treatments, like anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroids, along with at-home approaches such as adjusting diet, using heat therapy, and managing stress.