People with lupus are more likely to develop asthma than those without the autoimmune condition. However, the exact association between both conditions is still unclear.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that may cause inflammation in one or more organs, such as your kidneys, skin, and heart.

Asthma is also a chronic inflammatory health condition, but it only affects the lungs.

Living with lupus can be challenging enough. But if you start to also experience symptoms of asthma, such as shortness of breath and chest tightness, you may be wondering what this means.

Some research suggests that people with lupus may have a higher risk of developing breathing problems or asthma.

Here’s what to know about the connection between lupus and asthma, and how to treat them simultaneously.

Yes, having lupus can make you more likely to experience asthma. There are several studies indicating a strong connection between lupus and asthma.

For example, a 2014 study found that people with lupus have a “significantly higher” chance of developing asthma than the general population.

Later, a 2020 study found that people who have asthma are also more likely to develop lupus during their lifetime.

In a 2021 study, 19.8% of people with lupus reported having asthma. In the general population in the United States, around 7.7% of people have asthma. This research shows that people with lupus may be more than twice as likely to have asthma.

Despite the association between lupus and asthma, however, the cause for the connection is not clear. Researchers are still trying to understand why people with lupus are more likely to have asthma, and vice versa.

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Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and tissue damage in the body. This inflammation may be widespread and also affect particular organs and organ systems, including the skin, brain, joints, and kidneys.

Lupus can affect the lungs as well, causing specific lung conditions to develop. Research suggests that 20% to 90% of people with lupus develop symptoms in their lungs.

Some of the common lung conditions that affect people who have lupus include:

Many lung conditions associated with lupus share similar symptoms as asthma. Research suggests that symptoms of lupus-induced respiratory conditions that require medical attention may include:

Similarly, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), common asthma symptoms may include:

How do you know if lupus is affecting your lungs?

Lung symptoms that may arise in people with lupus may include:

  • difficulty breathing
  • feelings of pain and tightness in the chest area
  • a new cough that won’t go away
  • a new feeling of breathlessness while exercising or performing common activities

If you have any new or noticeable respiratory symptoms, speak with a healthcare professional and your lupus care team.

Researchers who shared 2021 data about the relationship between lupus, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suggest that healthcare professionals begin routinely screening people with lupus for lung conditions such as asthma.

This way, people with lupus can receive proper treatment for their asthma.

Diagnosing asthma

The first step in getting treatment for asthma involves getting a proper diagnosis. Usually, this involves getting screened by a pulmonologist who specializes in asthma.

According to the AAFA, screenings for asthma may include:

Learn more about asthma testing for diagnosis.

Treatments for asthma

Treatments for asthma may vary according to how frequently you experience asthma attacks and what your asthma is triggered by. According to the AAFA, common treatments for asthma may include:

  • medications that give fast relief for symptoms
  • medications that help manage symptoms on a daily basis
  • biologic treatment, which targets issues of swelling in the lungs

Your asthma treatment plan will depend on many factors, such as your asthma symptoms and your lupus treatment plan. A doctor will help you find the best medication for you. Keep them informed on any changes to your system and how often you use a rescue inhaler.

Learn more about medications for asthma.

It’s not entirely clear how having asthma affects your overall outlook with lupus, as the research is new and evolving.

Research from 2021 found that people with lupus who also have asthma or COPD had increased fatigue, decreased ability to think or perform physical activity, and increased pain.

Living with lupus and asthma

Living with lupus may affect all aspects of your life, including your physical and mental health and your relationships. If you have a new condition like asthma to contend with, you may feel extra stressed.

Support for any chronic condition is vital and can help you manage your condition and thrive.

Many resources are available for people living with both lupus and asthma. Here are some to get you started:

Limited research exists on whether lupus itself could trigger asthma. However, people with lupus have a higher risk of developing asthma than people without lupus.

Lupus may affect the lungs, which could cause difficulty breathing and other breathing problems.

People with lupus are prone to lung issues and may be more likely to experience asthma.

If you experience mild asthma symptoms like cough and decreased exercise tolerance, speak with a doctor for a proper assessment and diagnosis. Many treatments are available to help manage and minimize your symptoms.

If you have severe symptoms, like trouble catching your breath, lightheadedness, or unexplained chest tightness, get immediate medical attention.