Has the smell of butter been making you nauseated during lupus flares?
Changes in taste and smell are actually common with lupus and can be related to several factors. Since you have MCTD (mixed connective tissue disease), you're experiencing symptoms from multiple autoimmune conditions at once, which can make these sensory Show Full Answer
Has the smell of butter been making you nauseated during lupus flares?
Changes in taste and smell are actually common with lupus and can be related to several factors. Since you have MCTD (mixed connective tissue disease), you're experiencing symptoms from multiple autoimmune conditions at once, which can make these sensory changes even more noticeable.
Here are some possible reasons you might be experiencing this:
* Medication side effects - Many lupus treatments can alter your sense of taste and smell
* Sjögren's disease - This commonly overlaps with lupus (affecting 23-35% of people with lupus) and causes dryness that can change how things taste and smell
* Nutritional deficiencies - Low levels of zinc, vitamin B3, or B12 can affect your senses
* Kidney involvement - Lupus nephritis can cause taste and smell changes
A MyLupusTeam member shared similar experiences: "I have the most horrible dry, metallic taste in my mouth," with another replying about losing weight due to taste changes.
Since this was a symptom you had before diagnosis and it's returned with your disease becoming active again, it's worth mentioning to your rheumatologist. They can check for any underlying causes and help you manage this symptom.
Are there other foods or smells that have been bothering you?
December 8, 2025
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