Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues and organs. This systemic condition can affect various body parts, including the throat. Throat involvement in lupus can manifest directly through inflammation or indirectly from co-occurring conditions or medication side effects. Understanding these potential impacts is important.
Direct Impacts on the Throat
Lupus can directly cause inflammation and damage to throat structures through its autoimmune mechanisms. For instance, lupus pharyngitis involves inflammation of the pharynx (the part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity). Similarly, lupus laryngitis refers to inflammation of the larynx, or voice box. This inflammation results from the immune system targeting healthy cells.
Larynx inflammation can lead to symptoms like hoarseness, difficulty speaking, pain when swallowing, and a chronic cough. Lupus can also affect the cricoarytenoid joint, leading to inflammation that pressures vocal cords and causes voice issues. Additionally, autoimmune activity can cause painful, persistent ulcers or sores in the mouth and throat.
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) can also arise directly from lupus. This occurs if inflammation affects esophageal muscles. In some individuals, these muscles may not contract and relax as they should, leading to problems moving food down the throat.
Indirect Throat Issues
Throat problems in lupus patients are not always a direct result of autoimmune attacks; they can also stem from co-occurring conditions or treatment side effects. Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune condition affecting moisture-producing glands, commonly affects individuals with lupus. It causes severe dry mouth and throat, leading to discomfort, difficulty speaking, and swallowing problems. This dryness can also increase susceptibility to infections and dental issues.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is another condition that can indirectly affect the throat in lupus patients. Lupus can contribute to gastrointestinal issues, potentially weakening the esophageal muscle, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the throat. This acid irritation can cause symptoms such as heartburn, chronic cough, and a sensation of a lump in the throat. Between 11% and 50% of lupus patients may experience GERD.
Certain medications used to manage lupus, particularly corticosteroids, can also lead to throat issues. Corticosteroids suppress the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections like oral thrush (candidiasis). Oral thrush can extend to the throat, causing discomfort, pain, and difficulty swallowing. Other medications, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, potentially contributing to acid reflux that affects the throat.
Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Attention
Lupus patients might experience a range of throat-related symptoms, varying in intensity and duration. Common symptoms include a persistent sore throat, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). A sensation of a lump in the throat, chronic cough, and dry throat are common. Some individuals may develop painful mouth or throat ulcers. Swollen lymph nodes around the throat can also occur, particularly during lupus flares.
Anyone experiencing new or worsening throat symptoms should seek medical attention. If symptoms are persistent, severe, or interfere with daily activities like eating or speaking, consult a healthcare provider. Seek immediate medical care for severe pain, significant difficulty breathing, or inability to swallow. A medical evaluation, potentially involving an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, can help determine the cause and guide management.