Lupus-induced throat discomfort: Explanation of occurrence, signs, causes, remedies, and additional insights
Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, affects millions of people worldwide, with SLE being the most common form. The disease is more prevalent in women, people of colour, and certain ethnic groups, such as Black, Native American, Hispanic, and Asian individuals.
Lupus can manifest in various ways, and one of its symptoms is a sore throat. Some of the throat symptoms associated with lupus include sores or ulcers in the mouth, inflamed gums, swollen lymph nodes, inflammation of the mucous membrane, swollen epiglottis, hoarseness, difficulty speaking, pain when swallowing, chronic cough, and trouble breathing. Up to 50% of people with SLE may experience throat and larynx symptoms.
Living with lupus can be challenging, and managing symptoms is crucial. Certain everyday practices can help a person with lupus feel more comfortable. These include getting enough rest, avoiding tobacco, getting regular exercise, using sunscreen, striving to reduce stress, eating a balanced, healthy diet, and taking vitamin D supplements.
When it comes to treatment, a team approach is often necessary. Antimalarial medications, such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine phosphate, are used to treat fatigue, rashes, joint pain, and lung inflammation in people with lupus. These medications can help prevent the sudden worsening of symptoms such as sore throat and may also help prolong the lives of people living with lupus.
In addition, common treatments for sore throat symptoms related to lupus, particularly when caused by lupus-related mouth and throat ulcers, include medicated mouthwashes designed to reduce bacteria and inflammation in the mouth, topical corticosteroids, such as steroid nasal sprays or steroid pastes, applied directly to the ulcers to decrease inflammation and speed healing, and good oral hygiene practices.
Systemic lupus treatments, such as immunosuppressive medications, are often used to control overall lupus activity and reduce flare severity, which can indirectly improve sore throat and mouth ulcer symptoms. However, these medications can increase infection risk, so any sore throat or ulcer symptoms should be reported promptly to a healthcare provider to rule out infections and adjust treatment if needed.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of lupus can help prevent damage to the joints and other organs, reduce the frequency of flares, and improve the quality of life for people with lupus. Regular exercise can help people with lupus achieve a moderate weight and promote a more positive outlook, both of which are beneficial for managing the condition.
However, certain lifestyle factors have been shown to increase lupus disease activity. These factors include smoking, lacking physical activity, having high stress levels, eating a diet high in salt and fat, and being overweight. A nutritious diet can provide the essential nutrients people with lupus need to manage the condition.
In conclusion, managing lupus sore throat symptoms requires a combination of topical treatments, such as medicated mouthwashes and topical corticosteroids, and systemic treatments, such as antimalarial medications and immunosuppressive drugs, under medical supervision. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and lifestyle modifications can also contribute to better management of the disease. If you suspect you may have lupus, seek medical attention as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Ongoing regular medical care is essential for managing lupus and its complications.
[1] MedlinePlus. (2021). Lupus - Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000487.htm [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lupus - Diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371059 [3] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2021). Lupus - Diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/lupus/advice/diagnosis-treatment [4] Arthritis Foundation. (2021). Lupus - Diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/lupus/lupus-symptoms-causes/diagnosis-treatment
- Managing lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, is crucial for individuals affected worldwide, especially those diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), the most common form.
- Lupus can present with various symptoms, including a sore throat, which can be accompanied by sores or ulcers in the mouth, inflamed gums, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty speaking.
- The disease is more prevalent in women, people of color, and certain ethnic groups like Black, Native American, Hispanic, and Asian individuals.
- Living with lupus can be challenging, yet adopting healthy practices can help improve comfort levels, including getting enough rest, avoiding tobacco, regular exercise, using sunscreen, reducing stress, and maintaining a balanced diet.
- When it comes to treatment, a team approach is often necessary, utilizing antimalarial medications for fatigue, rashes, joint pain, and lung inflammation, and systemic treatments like immunosuppressive drugs to control overall lupus activity.
- Topical treatments such as medicated mouthwashes and topical corticosteroids can help alleviate sore throat symptoms related to lupus, particularly mouth and throat ulcers.
- A healthy diet can provide the essential nutrients needed to manage lupus, while regular exercise contributes to a more positive outlook and moderate weight, both beneficial for managing the condition.
- Lifestyle factors that increase lupus disease activity include smoking, being overweight, having high stress levels, a diet high in salt and fat, and lacking physical activity.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment can help prevent damage to joints and other organs, reduce flares, and improve quality of life for people with lupus.
- Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine phosphate are examples of antimalarial medications used to treat lupus symptoms, helping prevent the sudden worsening of symptoms such as a sore throat and prolonging the lives of people living with lupus.
- Systemic treatments such as immunosuppressive medications are used to control overall lupus activity and reduce flare severity, improving sore throat and mouth ulcer symptoms indirectly.
- Regular medical care is vital for managing lupus and its complications, and seeking medical attention as soon as potential symptoms arise is essential for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
