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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.

why is my voice slur?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lafayette, LA

why does my voice slurs

October 9
 · 
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A MyLupusTeam Member

Do you mean that you have hoarseness or trouble speaking, Willford? If you're having trouble speaking accompanied by any weakness, numbness, tingling, or sudden vision loss, these could be stroke warning symptoms and warrant an ER visit immediately when they. occur.

Hoarseness could be from the causes AI mentioned, and those with Sjogren's and dry mouth can have more problems with it, too. Please see your doctor to determine the cause.

@JudySanford--Tongue swelling is dangerous because it could block your airway and breathing, Judy. It could be an allergic reaction or angioedema from one of your meds or from lupus. Please call 911 if you have recurrent tongue swelling.

October 10
A MyLupusTeam Member

Ive had my voice slur a few times it as Niranjana explained its always been due to a stroke i definitely would call 911 if it happens again it could be a stroke, i dont take chances anymore and time is critical for receiving help

October 10
A MyLupusTeam Member

Someties I even have trouble swallowing because my tongue gets weird. My voice has gotten raspy and I had to stop doing karaoke ( which I loved going to) because it was too difficult to sing. I also have long term covid which affects my lungs and breathing. Every day is a new adventure. What works one day, may not work the next. And what didn't work one day , may all of a sudden start working again. I take each day, one at a time and work with what I got.

October 10
MyLupusTeam

Voice changes, including slurring or difficulty speaking, can definitely be connected to lupus. One MyLupusTeam member described it well: "My voice goes sometimes, and when I get fatigued, my tongue feels heavy and I have difficulty talking."

There are a few reasons lupus can affect your voice:

- Joint inflammation in the Show Full Answer

Voice changes, including slurring or difficulty speaking, can definitely be connected to lupus. One MyLupusTeam member described it well: "My voice goes sometimes, and when I get fatigued, my tongue feels heavy and I have difficulty talking."

There are a few reasons lupus can affect your voice:

- Joint inflammation in the throat – There's a tiny joint in your voice box (the cricoarytenoid joint) that controls your vocal cords. Lupus can cause swelling and stiffness there, especially during flares.
- GERD (acid reflux) – Lupus-related inflammation can weaken throat muscles, allowing stomach acid to travel up and irritate your throat, causing hoarseness or voice changes.
- Tissue damage – Overall tissue damage from lupus can impact the vocal cords and surrounding areas.
- Fatigue – General lupus fatigue can make speaking feel harder and cause slurring. The good news is there are ways to help manage this. Some options include:

- Voice therapy – Exercises to strengthen and better control your vocal cords.
- Vocal rest – Give your voice breaks when it feels tired. Note: whispering actually strains the cords more than speaking normally!
- Warm water with lemon – A MyLupusTeam member swears by this, along with breathing exercises.
- Medication – Treating underlying causes like acid reflux or joint inflammation can help.

It's worth bringing this up with your doctor so they can figure out the specific cause and recommend the best treatment for you.

October 9
A MyLupusTeam Member

Thanks

October 13

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