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Yes, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is actually quite common with lupus - affecting up to 13% of people with SLE. This happens because lupus can cause inflammation in the muscles of the esophagus, affecting how they contract and relax when you swallow.
Some common symptoms include taking longer to eat, feeling like food Show Full Answer
Speech/language therapists also work with swallowing difficulties and provide exercises to help with some swallowing issues, Nancy, so I think @A MyLupusTeam Member has a good idea. It's important to see your doctor about it first to have it evaluated, and they can refer you for the therapy.
I have had this problem which there is a restrictions in my esophagus and I have to have my esophagus dilated quarterly. In December I had this done with botox Injections 4 the first time.
I can talk. It's just swallowing. At times my voice will go horse but not for long. I just mentioned it to my neurologist and he didn't say much about. There is a place on tongue when food wants to go down my throat without me being ready to swallow. That's a little scary. Then at times water will go down very slowly and I will experience a little discomfort. Do you have this as well?
Yes, I unfortunately do. It takes ages for me to eat. I have muscle involvement with lupus and had TIAs and strokes in the past, so I chalk it up to having those conditions. Have you talked to your rheumatologist or neurologist about this bothersome symptom yet? What did he/she say? Consulting a speech-language pathologist sounds like a good idea💜
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