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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
June 28, 2025
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MyLupusTeam

Voice changes and hoarseness are common with lupus. This can happen due to:

• Joint issues in your throat (cricoarytenoid joint)
• Inflammation affecting vocal cords
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Common symptoms include
• Hoarseness
• Changes in voice quality
• Vocal fatigue
• Breathy or quiet speech
• Difficulty Show Full Answer

Voice changes and hoarseness are common with lupus. This can happen due to:

• Joint issues in your throat (cricoarytenoid joint)
• Inflammation affecting vocal cords
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Common symptoms include:
• Hoarseness
• Changes in voice quality
• Vocal fatigue
• Breathy or quiet speech
• Difficulty speaking or singing Here are some self-care strategies that can help:

1. Try voice therapy exercises (breathing exercises and gentle throat stretches)
2. Practice vocal rest when your voice is strained
3. Avoid whispering - it actually strains vocal cords more than talking
4. Stay hydrated with warm water and lemon
5. Avoid caffeine and heavy foods if you need to use your voice

Remember to consult your healthcare provider, as they may recommend specific medications or treatments based on the underlying cause of your voice changes.

June 28, 2025
A MyLupusTeam Member

All of the above can be the culprit but do you happen to also have Sjogrens? Mine has been attacking my voicebox for almost 7 months now. My voice goes in and out all of the time. It gets worse at night, more dry and sore. I'm constantly drinking water, restarted Pilocarpine (Cevimeline didn't help)and im permanently on mucinex twice a day per my Rheumy. I go back to my ENT Tuesday. If this has been going on for a while, I would see an ENT. They can look at your throat in the office and I don't even feel it.

June 29, 2025
A MyLupusTeam Member

@A MyLupusTeam Member and @SleepyMermaid--FYI--Per my PCP and pulmonologist, long-term Mucinex is safe, and my medical references show possible side effects of nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and headache. With extremely large doses, kidney stones have been rarely seen. I have been taking Mucinex long-term myself for my lung disease and chronic mucus production, and it has helped me. I haven't experienced problems from it.

SM, can you please ask your doctor what problems they have seen from it?

July 1, 2025
A MyLupusTeam Member

Tammy, in addition to what AI mentions, allergies can cause hoarseness, too. If your hoarseness lasts longer than a month, it's wise to see your doctor about it--especially if you have a smoking history. I hope it soon improves.😘

June 29, 2025
A MyLupusTeam Member

I have just started pilo...How long before you see results?

August 8, 2025

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