Tongue pain is something several people with lupus have experienced, and it can be really uncomfortable — especially when eating or drinking.
One of the most common reasons is lupus-related mouth sores (ulcers). These can appear on the inner cheeks, lips, roof of the mouth, and tongue. They may feel like burning, tingling Show Full Answer
Tongue pain is something several people with lupus have experienced, and it can be really uncomfortable — especially when eating or drinking.
One of the most common reasons is lupus-related mouth sores (ulcers). These can appear on the inner cheeks, lips, roof of the mouth, and tongue. They may feel like burning, tingling, or sharp pain, and can range from mild to quite severe. Here are some possible reasons your tongue may be hurting on the side:
- Lupus ulcers — These sores can appear during a flare or even when lupus seems inactive
- Angular cheilitis — A secondary complication linked to lupus that causes painful inflammation around the mouth area
- Medication side effects — Some lupus medications, like corticosteroids, can contribute to mouth irritation or increase susceptibility to infections
- Nutritional deficiencies — Low levels of B vitamins or iron, which can occur with lupus, may cause tongue soreness
- Dry mouth — Common in lupus, especially if Sjögren's disease is also present
It's worth mentioning this to a doctor or dentist, as they can identify the exact cause and suggest the right treatment. Don't ignore it — mouth pain can affect eating and nutrition, which matters a lot when managing lupus.
May 11