Is There a Connection Between Celiac Disease and Lupus?

Written by Admin S
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​There is research suggesting that there is a connection between Celiac Disease and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an incurable auto-immune disease that affects the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain. The body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, thus causing the following symptoms in people with SLE:

• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Fatigue
• "Butterfly rash" on face
• Unexplained fever
• General discomfort

With both being auto-immune diseases, a person with Celiac Disease has a higher risk for SLE than the normal population. Research is still being conducted, however, those of us with Celiac Disease, should be checked for SLE if we notice any of the above symptoms.

​My Story

In 2014, I had my ANAs checked and for some reason, Lupus showed up on the test. I was terrified that, not only was I juggling Celiac Disease, I was also going to have to live with Lupus. After an appointment with my Rheumatologist, my worries were put to rest: I did not have Lupus. I do, however, have an autoimmune illness that has not been diagnosed as of yet. This is something I'm going to pursue after I have my son.

If you have autoimmune disease, you know they are just like Pringles: you can never have just one!

(Source:www.celiac.com/articles/23174/1/Celiac-Disease-Patients-Face-Higher-Risk-of-Systemic-Lupus/Page1.html)

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