How to treat Sjögren´s Syndrome
How to treat Sjgrens Syndrome
How to treat Sjgrens Syndrome
Sjgren's syndrome is a disorder that decreases your body's production of tears and saliva. This results in dry eyes (known medically as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS) and dry mouth (known as xerostomia).
Sjgren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease, which is a way of saying that your body's immune system , contrary to its natural function, attacks your own cells, mislabelling them as foreign pathogens like viruses and bacteria. The lymphocytes (one of many types of immune cells) in patients with the disease selectively attack moisture-producing glandular tissues.
The salivary (saliva-producing) and lachrymal (tear-producing) glands are in particular danger, as well as the sweat-producing glands in your skin. The ability to secrete saliva and tears is gradually damaged, causing dry mouth and dry eyes.
Sjgren's syndrome is also classified as a chronic rheumatic autoimmune disease. The bodies of individuals with the condition release auto-antibodies such as rheumatoid factor and anti-nuclear antibodies. There are congruences between Sjgren's syndrome and other autoimmune rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis (inflammation in many muscles), and dermatomyositis (muscular inflammation plus distinctive skin rash).
Women make up more than nine of ten Sjgren's syndrome patients, usually those about 50 years of age. Children under 15 years old may also be affected .
Dry Eye Symptoms
The most generally reported symptom is the sensation of having a foreign body in the eye, or of grittiness or sandiness. Burning impressions are also felt. You may notice accumulations of thick strings of mucous around the inner corners of the eyelids, especially when you wake. You may feel red eyes, hyper-sensitivity to light, and a filmy sensation that blurs the vision. There are many complaints about general eye discomfort and difficulty with watching television and reading. Despite the reduced tear secretion, few people complain about inability to cry.
Dry Mouth Symptoms
The common symptoms include chewing, swallowing, and speaking difficulties; food sticking to the inner cheek; unfamiliar taste or smell sensations; cracking in the tongue, mucous membranes, and lips (the corners of the mouth are particularly vulnerable); and, pervasive tooth decay. Patients feel the need to drink more liquids, especially at mealtimes or when consuming toast or a cracker.
There may also be dryness in the nose, throat and larynx, windpipe and bronchial tubes. The dryness may lead to nosebleeds, hoarse throat, bronchitis or pneumonia, and even problems in the middle ear. The parotid gland (often the site of the mumps) becomes swollen in half of Sjgren's syndrome patients.
In more deep-seated cases, drugs or surgery may be recommended for treatment. The physician may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to suppress specific expressions such as arthritis. For more widespread symptoms, your doctor may recommend immune-suppressive medications or certain malaria-treatment drugs.
Minor surgery can be used for addressing dry eye symptoms. The procedure usually targets closing off the tear ducts with permanent silicone (or temporary collagen) plugs. The plugs are called punctal plugs since they are attached at the puncta, the points in your eye where tears start draining out. Alternatively, a laser may be deployed to create a permanent seal.
For minor symptoms, artificial tears or prescription eyedrops should suffice for treatment. Cyclosporine in a castor oil base is a reliable prescription medication that reduces inflammation in the tear glands, inducing them to secrete more tears.
You can use appropriate accessories to protect the eyes in breezy environments. If you are indoors, stay away from the cooling vent or other devices that may funnel vigorous air currents into your eyes. Try to increase the indoor humidity to lower the evaporation rate of tears from your eyes. Also, bear in mind to always drink plenty of water.
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