MyLupusTeam

Waking up with a swollen, sore nostril that's painful to touch and making it hard to breathe sounds really uncomfortable — you're definitely not alone in this!

Nasal ulcers are actually a recognized symptom of lupus, affecting roughly 25% of people with lupus. They typically develop on the septum (the wall between your Show Full Answer

Waking up with a swollen, sore nostril that's painful to touch and making it hard to breathe sounds really uncomfortable — you're definitely not alone in this!

Nasal ulcers are actually a recognized symptom of lupus, affecting roughly 25% of people with lupus. They typically develop on the septum (the wall between your nostrils) and can cause swelling, tenderness, and difficulty breathing through that side.

A few things that can trigger or worsen these sores include:

- Lupus flares
- Side effects from lupus medications, including corticosteroids
- Poor oral/nasal hygiene
- Having lupus for a longer period of time Other MyLupusTeam members have shared similar experiences with nasal and mouth sores, describing burning, pain, and difficulty with everyday things like eating and drinking.

Since your nostril is swollen enough to block breathing and is very painful to touch, it's worth reaching out to your doctor or rheumatologist soon. They may prescribe a steroid treatment to help reduce the swelling and manage the sore. Getting your lupus well-managed overall is the best way to prevent these from recurring.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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