Lupus can overlap with other health conditions, leading some people to face a second or third diagnosis. For example, people with lupus may also experience costochondritis (inflammation in the chest) or Sjögren’s syndrome (another autoimmune disease affecting the entire body). When someone has more than one condition at the same time, it’s called a comorbidity.

“Because of lupus, I have costochondritis and can’t move. Has anyone experienced this?” one MyLupusTeam member wrote. Another said, “Has anyone else been diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome as well as lupus?”

Here are the common connections among these three diseases.

Inflammation as a Common Denominator

Inflammation is a common trait among lupus, costochondritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome — and various other health problems. The term “inflammation” refers to an overactive or inappropriate immune response.

The immune system is supposed to fight off outside invaders, like bacteria and viruses. When you’re feeling well, the immune system should calm back down. But in autoimmune diseases like lupus, the immune system attacks healthy tissues and remains overactive. These high inflammation levels are responsible for lupus symptoms like joint pain and swollen lymph nodes and may damage important organs such as the kidneys.

Similarly, costochondritis describes inflammation in the chest. The cartilage between the ribs and the sternum (breastbone) becomes inflamed, causing swelling, pressure, or pain in the chest. Costochondritis usually affects the lower ribs (two through five), and pain typically starts on the left side of the chest.

A similar condition, called Tietze’s syndrome, causes swelling in the upper ribs. Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes costochondritis or Tietze’s syndrome, and treatment involves managing the pain until it goes away on its own. However, it’s important to report chest pain to your health care provider to rule out more serious issues, like a heart attack.

Sjögren’s is another disease that stems from inflammation. In fact, the symptoms of Sjögren’s can be similar to those of lupus, and doctors may have trouble differentiating the two conditions. Dry eyes and dry mouth are more common in Sjögren’s because it affects the salivary glands. But the condition may also cause joint pain, skin rashes, and kidney problems the way lupus does. Your rheumatologist can treat both conditions, so they’ll be your best resource in determining whether you have more than one diagnosis.

One MyLupusTeam member shared their experience living with multiple conditions. “I actually have Sjögren’s and haven’t technically tested positive for lupus,” they explained. “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.”

Does Lupus Increase Your Risk?

Health experts estimate that up to 15 percent to 18 percent of people with lupus also have Sjögren’s syndrome. Treatment for both conditions may include immunosuppressive drugs to tamp down an overactive immune system. Your doctor may recommend corticosteroids, like prednisone, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin or ibuprofen, to control your symptoms. You’ll also need to monitor for complications, like impaired renal function (liver function).

Certain autoantibodies (antibodies that target the body’s own proteins) that are typically found in Sjögren’s syndrome can be seen in lupus. Their mere presence doesn’t mean you definitely have one or both conditions. Speak with your rheumatologist to learn more.

Doctors aren’t sure what causes costochondritis. According to Lupus UK, it’s common in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) — the most common type of lupus. However, more research is needed to determine a connection between the two and how often people with one develop the other. It’s important to bear in mind, though, that a person living with lupus may experience chest and rib pain due to causes other than costochondritis. This can make determining the root problem difficult.

Nonetheless, following your lupus treatment plan is good for your overall health and shouldn’t interfere with the recommendations for costochondritis. Discussing all of your symptoms and medications with your health care provider is the best way to avoid any interactions and to get reliable medical advice.

MyLupusTeam Members Share Their Experiences

MyLupusTeam members frequently discuss the comorbidities they experience. “I was diagnosed with costochondritis. The pain has been around for about two months (my last doctor thought it was stress-related),” explained one member. “I was given a steroid shot to help. My doctor was also leaning toward Sjögren’s and not lupus. … Are these related or is the timing a coincidence?”

One member responded, “I was diagnosed with Sjögren’s in 2008 and nonactive lupus and fibromyalgia recently. I was also in the hospital for costochondritis, so I was in agony with chest pains and shoulder and arm pain.”

A third member shared a similar experience, saying, “I have Sjögren’s and was recently diagnosed with costochondritis as well.”

From these and other discussions on MyLupusTeam, it’s clear that many people with lupus have additional symptoms or coexisting inflammatory conditions. If you have questions about whether you might be living with other conditions in addition to lupus, reach out to your rheumatology team for further evaluation.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, over 223,000 people with lupus come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories.

Do you have other autoimmune disorders or symptoms like costochondritis? What testing or treatments have helped? Post your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by sharing on MyLupusTeam.