Is that scratchy, persistent sore throat more than just a nuisance? Maybe it is connected to lupus (‌systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE). People who live with lupus often experience a wide variety of symptoms. In addition to the more common symptoms like joint pain in various parts of the body, rashes, or tiredness, a symptom discussed regularly on MyLupusTeam is a sore throat. If you have a sore throat often, it’s natural to wonder if it might be related to your lupus diagnosis.

Here’s what you need to know to find the cause of your sore throat and address it effectively. By doing so, you can prioritize your mental health and overall well-being.

What Do Sore Throats Feel Like With Lupus?

Sore throats are common in people living with lupus, often prompting regular discussions on MyLupus Team. One member shared, “I have problems swallowing pills and food. My throat is hoarse most of the time.”

Another replied, “My lymph nodes have been swollen for over a year, and I have trouble swallowing and sore throats often. It feels like a constant lump in my throat.”

Yet another said, “I have a sore throat,” yet another said. “I also have small sores or bumps in my throat.”

When MyLupusTeam members talk about their sore throats, they often express frustration at being unable to find a cause. As one member said, “I get this a lot, too — lupus and sore throat go hand in hand. I was also seen by an ear, nose, and throat doctor, but nothing was found. It’s uncomfortable and frustrating.”

Some find that their sore throats don’t feel like what they experienced before being diagnosed with lupus. One explained, “When in a flare, I have pain in my throat when I swallow, but not like a sore throat from an illness.” Another MyLupusTeam member had a slightly different experience, noting, “I get a sore throat and usually a low-grade fever.”

Having a sore throat can be very unpleasant, so it’s important to find the underlying cause of your pain. That way, you and your rheumatologist can come up with a plan to treat your throat issues so you don’t have to live with constant pain.

What Causes a Sore Throat With Lupus?

Many factors can cause a sore throat when you have lupus:

• Infections
• Dry mouth or throat
• Throat sores
• Sarcoidosis
• Lupus flares
• Lupus medications

Infections

People with lupus often get more infections than those who do not have the condition — and those infections are often more severe. Lupus makes the immune cells work overtime. This means that the cells produce antibodies that turn around and attack your immune system, so there’s an increased risk of developing an infection and not being able to fight it well.

A lupus diagnosis can make you especially prone to respiratory infections, many of which can come along with a sore throat. Thus, if you are diagnosed with lupus and your throat hurts, you should see a doctor to make sure you don’t have an underlying infection. These infections often cause sore throats in MyLupusTeam members, one of whom said, “Every year, I end up with strep throat, sinusitis, or double ear infections. Most times, it takes two regimens of antibiotics to get rid of them.”

Dry Mouth or Throat

Many people with lupus experience dry eyes and dry throats due to Sjögren’s syndrome. Although not part of lupus, this condition is more common in people who live with lupus or certain other autoimmune diseases. In fact, somewhere between 8 percent and 19 percent of people with lupus develop Sjögren’s as well.

Sjögren’s can cause your mouth and nasal passages to be drier than they should be, and this can also affect your throat. Sometimes, your body may try to make up for the dryness by producing extra mucus, which can then drain down your throat and cause pain there, too.

Throat Sores

People with lupus may also be likely to develop sores in their mouth and throat. These ulcers can be painful. If they occur in your throat, they could cause regular sore throats that aren’t relieved by medications and may be difficult to diagnose.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is another condition that can occur in conjunction with lupus. When your immune system overreacts, it can create hard lumps or nodules that doctors call granulomas. Depending on where these are located, they may be harmless or they may cause pain. If you have a lot of throat pain, granulomas could be the culprit.

Lupus Flares

Sometimes, a sore throat means that your lupus is flaring. Although a sore throat is not one of the most common symptoms of a lupus flare, it does show up sometimes. As you learn more about lupus and your body, you may find that a sore throat can tell you when lupus is getting worse for you.

Lupus Medications

Many lupus medications suppress the immune system, which can make you likely to wind up with an infection as a side effect. If you get a respiratory infection, a sore throat is a likely symptom. It’s unusual for lupus medications to directly cause a sore throat, although they can be related to mouth sores or dry mouth. Talk to your doctor if you suspect your medication is related to sore throat pain.

Other Causes

Medical conditions like gastrointestinal reflux disease and thyroid problems can also cause a sore throat. If you don’t think your throat pain is connected to lupus or you aren’t sure, reach out to a doctor to get tests to find the source of your pain.

How To Manage a Sore Throat With Lupus

Although it can be challenging to have a sore throat, there are a few things you can do to manage the pain.

1. Treat Infections Promptly

If you suspect you have an infection, treat it promptly. Make sure your doctor knows that you have lupus so they can choose a course of treatment that makes sense for you, given your current level of disease activity and the possible need for stronger antibiotics.

2. Treat Lupus and Other Conditions Effectively

If your sore throat indicates a lupus flare, work with your rheumatology team to ensure that you’re treating the condition with the most effective medications. One MyLupusTeam member said, “I get a sore throat when I have flares. Going back on prednisone seems to help.”

You have a lot of options for treating lupus, like steroids (corticosteroids), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or methotrexate, so work with your doctor on solutions until you find what works best.

3. Find Home Remedies That Work for You

If you need to treat a sore throat at home, there are several home remedies you could try. One member explained, “Lemon and honey help. If you can take it, apple cider vinegar and honey work. Also Listerine gargles can help.”

Although these suggestions may not necessarily be ideal for your situation, there are many options out there. Ask around, talk to other people who experience sore throats, and then try combinations of options until you figure out what eases your lupus symptoms.

4. Talk to Your Doctor

If you have a sore throat that does not go away or any other ongoing or new symptoms, talk to your doctor. They should be able to help you find the cause of your throat pain so you can then treat it effectively. You shouldn’t have to live in pain. Your medical team can help you find the solutions you need.

Although a sore throat might seem like a minor symptom, it can be important for people with lupus. Recognizing the possible link between lupus and sore throats can help catch the condition early and manage it promptly. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and with proper care, lupus can be effectively managed.

Find Your Team

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 223,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Are you living with a sore throat and lupus? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.