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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.

I have noticed lately my throat is feeling closed I have difficulty swallowing. Anyone experience this? How do you manage it?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Westminster, MD
April 23
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A MyLupusTeam Member

Hello @A MyLupusTeam Member I experience the same thing I've had ultrasounds two of them done on my throat and there seems to be no anomaly, I am told it's a symptom of lupus SLE. Unfortunately I have no solutions for you, I just seem to have to deal with it and eventually it just goes away as I hope yours does ASAP 💝
Take good care of yourself sending many blessings your way 💝🙌🫶
Have a blessed day 🤗💝🙌🇨🇦🙌🫶

April 24
A MyLupusTeam Member

Yes I'm having trouble swallowing also. I'm getting a upper GI done next month to see if anything is going on. I'm also experiencing coughing and stomach pain.

April 23
A MyLupusTeam Member

I had started experiencing the throat tightening but it was only at night when getting ready to sleep. But it was what you described. I couldn’t breathe like it shut down being choked. I grabbed my trilogy which opened it enough to coughing so then I could drink but the feeling continued but just in a lesser feeling. It is very uncomfortable, yes all my doctors told me it had nothing to do with Lupus. Thump, Ent (wasn’t his area), pulmo no and on she is a cross over. All said not lupus maybe Endocrinologist. But it isn’t happening as often now.

April 23
MyLupusTeam

Are you experiencing throat tightness and difficulty swallowing with lupus?

Yes, many people with lupus experience this. Up to 13 percent of people with lupus have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). A MyLupusTeam member shared, "For the last few weeks, I have felt like someone has been choking me."

What might be causing this?

Show Full Answer

Are you experiencing throat tightness and difficulty swallowing with lupus?

Yes, many people with lupus experience this. Up to 13 percent of people with lupus have dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). A MyLupusTeam member shared, "For the last few weeks, I have felt like someone has been choking me."

What might be causing this?

Several lupus-related factors can cause throat tightness and swallowing problems:

* Esophageal inflammation - Lupus can inflame the muscles of your esophagus, affecting how they contract and relax (up to 72 percent of people with lupus experience this)
* Thyroid nodules - About 25 percent of people with lupus develop thyroid growths that can cause throat tightness
* Swollen lymph nodes - Common during flares, especially in the neck area
* Acid reflux/GERD - Up to 50 percent of people with lupus experience heartburn, which can cause swallowing difficulties
* Vasculitis - Inflammation of blood vessels around nerves in the gastrointestinal tract

How to manage it:

1. See your doctor - They can identify the specific cause and recommend appropriate treatment
2. Treat acid reflux - Avoid trigger foods, eat smaller meals, stay upright after eating
3. Adjust medications - Some lupus medications can contribute to swallowing problems
4. Work with a speech-language pathologist - They can teach swallowing exercises and posture adjustments
5. Modify your diet - Cut food into small pieces, eat slowly, and consider softer textures
6. Treat underlying inflammation - Controlling lupus symptoms can help reduce esophageal inflammation

Contact your rheumatologist for proper assessment, as this symptom needs medical evaluation.

April 23

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