It's Day 20 of Lupus Awareness Month, and today, we’re talking about something many of us with lupus know too well—infections, specifically, bacterial infections, and how antibiotics play a role in keeping us safe.
What are Bacterial Infections?
Bacterial infections happen when harmful bacteria enter the body and multiply, causing symptoms like pain, fever, fatigue, or inflammation. They can affect almost any part of the body—the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or internal organs.
Why Are People With Lupus More at Risk?
People with lupus have a higher risk of infection. This is not because lupus causes bacteria but because the disease and the medications used to treat it often weaken the immune system. Lupus's inflammation can also damage parts of the body, like the kidneys or lungs, making them more vulnerable to infection.
Some common bacterial infections seen in people with lupus include:
✔️ Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
✔️ Pneumonia and other respiratory infections
✔️ Skin infections
✔️ Kidney infections (especially in lupus nephritis)
✔️ Gastrointestinal infections (sometimes related to steroid use)
What Types of Antibiotics Are Used?
Antibiotics can be taken by mouth or given as an injection. The type of antibiotic depends on the kind of infection and where it’s located. Common options include:
- Penicillins (like amoxicillin)
- Macrolides (like azithromycin)
- Cephalosporins (like cefuroxime)
- Fluoroquinolones (like ciprofloxacin)
- Sulfonamides (like Bactrim)—though some people with lupus avoid this class, as it may increase sensitivity or trigger flares
How Do Antibiotics Help?
They either kill the bacteria or stop them from growing. For those of us with lupus, early treatment matters—because our immune systems are often too overworked or suppressed to fight back on their own.
Are There Side Effects?
Yes, and being informed helps:
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Yeast infections (due to bacterial imbalance)
- Sun sensitivity (with some antibiotics)
- Allergic reactions
- Some may interact with lupus meds or cause complications if used frequently
As always, it’s important to stay in close contact with your provider when taking new medications, especially when managing multiple treatments at once.
Where We Are With Fundraising
We’ve raised $3,072.55, and we’re still going strong through May 30 for Lupus Awareness Month. Every message, share, and donation helps build awareness and provide support for those navigating this journey, many without access to consistent care or understanding.
👉🏽 https://linke.to/2025lupuswalk
If you’d like me to discuss infections and immune health in more depth in a future blog post, just reply and let me know. I always appreciate the guidance.
xoxo
Jowanna
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