Is that scratchy, lingering sore throat more than just a nuisance? If you have a sore throat often, it’s natural to wonder if it might be related to lupus (‌systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE). People who live with lupus often experience many different symptoms. Some are caused by the disease itself, while others may come from unrelated issues. This symptom is often discussed by members of MyLupusTeam.

Here, we’ll talk about how to find the cause of your sore throat so you can treat it and improve your overall well-being.

What Do Sore Throats Feel Like With Lupus?

Sore throats are common in people living with lupus and are often discussed on MyLupus Team. Several members have shared how lupus throat pain affects their swallowing:

• “I have problems swallowing pills and food. My throat is hoarse most of the time.”
• “My lymph nodes have been swollen for over a year, and I have trouble swallowing and sore throats often. It feels like a constant lump in my throat.”
• “When I’m in a flare, I have pain in my throat when I swallow, but not like a sore throat from an illness.”

Some members have also shared other ways in which lupus affects their throats. One said, “I also have small sores or bumps in my throat.” Another added, “I get a sore throat and usually a low-grade fever.”

MyLupusTeam members often describe the frustration of not knowing what’s causing their sore throat. One member shared, “I get this a lot, too — lupus and sore throat go hand in hand. I was also seen by an ear, nose, and throat doctor, but nothing was found. It’s uncomfortable and frustrating.”

Having a sore throat can be very uncomfortable. That’s why it’s important to find out what’s causing your pain. Once you know the cause, you and your rheumatologist can make a plan to treat it so you don’t have to live with constant discomfort.

What Causes a Sore Throat With Lupus?

Many factors can cause a sore throat when you have lupus, including infections and other medical conditions.

Infections

People with lupus often get infections more easily than those without the condition — and the infections can be more severe. Lupus causes the immune system to become overactive. This means cells produce antibodies that attack your immune system, leading to an increased risk of developing an infection and not being able to fight it well.

A lupus diagnosis can make you more likely to develop respiratory infections, which often cause sore throats. So, if you’re diagnosed with lupus and your throat hurts, it’s important to see your healthcare provider to rule out an underlying infection. Members of MyLupusTeam often mention infections as a cause of their sore throats. One shared, “Every year, I end up with strep throat, sinusitis, or double ear infections. Most times, it takes two regimens of antibiotics to get rid of them.”

Dry Mouth or Throat

Many people with lupus also experience dry eyes and dry throats due to Sjögren’s disease. Although Sjögren’s is not part of lupus itself, this condition is more common in people who live with lupus or other autoimmune diseases. Studies show that between 23 percent and 35 percent of people with lupus also develop Sjögren’s.

Sjögren’s can make your mouth and nasal passages very dry, which can also affect your throat. Sometimes, your body tries to make up for this dryness by producing extra mucus. That mucus can drain down your throat, causing irritation and pain.

Throat Sores

People with lupus may also develop sores or ulcers inside their mouth or throat. These ulcers can be painful. If they happen in your throat, they can cause regular sore throats that don’t improve with medication and may be difficult to diagnose.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is another condition that can sometimes happen alongside lupus, though it’s uncommon. When your immune system overreacts, it can form small, hard lumps or nodules called granulomas. Depending on where they form, these may be harmless or painful. If you have persistent throat pain, granulomas could be the cause.

Lupus Medications

Many lupus medications weaken the immune system, which can make you more likely to get infections as a side effect. If you develop a respiratory infection, a sore throat is a likely symptom.

It’s unusual for lupus medications to directly cause a sore throat, though some may lead to mouth sores or dry mouth. If you think your medication might be related to your throat pain, talk with your doctor. They can help you decide whether an adjustment is needed.

Other Causes

Other medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal reflux disease or thyroid problems, can also cause sore throats. If you don’t think your throat pain is related to lupus or you aren’t sure, reach out to a healthcare professional. They can help you find the cause and the right treatment.

Lupus Flares

Some members of MyLupusTeam have noticed that sore throats show up during lupus flares. One MyLupusTeam member said, “I get a sore throat when I have flares. Going back on prednisone seems to help.”

Although a sore throat isn’t one of the most common symptoms of a lupus flare, it does show up in some people. As you learn more about your body and how lupus affects you, you may notice that a sore throat sometimes signals a lupus flare for you.

How To Manage a Sore Throat With Lupus

While it can be challenging to have a sore throat, there are a few things you can do to manage the pain.

1. Treat Infections Promptly

If you think you have an infection, contact your doctor right away. Make sure they know you have lupus so they can choose a course of treatment that’s safe and effective for you. You may need stronger antibiotics or extra monitoring depending on your disease activity.

2. Treat Lupus and Other Conditions Effectively

If your sore throat is linked to a lupus flare, work with your rheumatology team to make sure your treatment is as effective as possible. You may need to make adjustments to your current medications or dosages. You have many options for treating lupus, such as corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Work with your doctor to find the combination that works best for you.

3. Find Home Remedies That Work for You

If you need to treat a sore throat at home, there are several simple remedies you can try. One member shared, “Lemon and honey help. If you can take it, apple cider vinegar and honey work. Also, Listerine gargles can help.”

Although these suggestions may not necessarily be right for everyone, many people find relief with different home remedies for a sore throat from lupus. Talk to others who also experience sore throats, and try different options until you figure out what helps with your lupus throat pain.

4. Talk to Your Doctor

You don’t have to live in pain. If you have a sore throat that doesn’t go away, or if you notice any other ongoing or new symptoms, talk to your doctor. Your healthcare team can help you find the cause of your throat pain and help you treat it effectively.

A sore throat may seem minor, but for people with lupus, it can sometimes signal something more. Understanding the connection between lupus and sore throats can help you catch problems early and manage them quickly. Remember, you’re not alone. With the right care, lupus can be managed, and you can continue to live well.

Join the Conversation

On MyLupusTeam, people share their experiences with lupus, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you ever had a sore throat with lupus? Let others know in the comments below.