Sjogren’s Syndrome Treatment

Sjogren’s Syndrome is a critical health concern that can affect both men and women. The condition takes place due to infection in salivary and lacrimal glands. Hence, leads to dryness in eyes, mouth and throat in people. This problem may affects people at any age. If left untreated, then it can cause harmful effects on individuals. 

This problem can be managed from different approaches, which is only suggested for eye and mouth problems. An eye infection can be treated from gels, eye drops and other ointments whereas mouth problems can be managed through antifungal treatments and medication drugs. A healthcare provider also recommends a punctal occlusion for the management of eye problems.

Types of Sjogren’s Syndrome

This problem is of two kinds. These include the following:

• Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome: This problem does not develop from other health conditions. It can cause dryness and cannot be cured easily. 
• Secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome: It can occur from other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus etc. 

Causes

An inflammation occurs from the immune system, which may results in damaging tissues and nerve signals in the body. This problem mainly attacks the glands and minimizes the amount of saliva, tears and other fluids. It becomes harmful and can cause Sjogren’s syndrome in males and females. 

Some viral infections can occur from this health condition. These are as follows:

• Epstein-Barr virus
• COVID-19
• Cytomegalovirus
• Hepatitis
• Human T-lymphotropic virus 1

This problem is associated with other autoimmune diseases. These include the following:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus

Symptoms

The symptoms that occur from this health issue are as follows:

• Vaginal dryness
• Fatigue
• Joint pain or swelling
• Heartburn
• Skin rashes
• Tooth decay
• Difficulty in thinking and concentrating
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Neuropathy
• Dryness or itching in eyes
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Dryness in nose, throat and mouth

How to diagnose this problem?

The diagnostic tests for this health condition are as follows:

• Eye test: A Schirmer tear test is performed to measure the dryness of the eyes into the healthcare department. This procedure requires a small piece of filter paper which is inserted under the lower eyelid. 

An ophthalmologist also uses a slit lamp to examine the surface of the eyes. He or she might place some drops into the eyes to view the damage to the cornea easily. 

• Sialography: A healthcare provider conducts an X-ray test for salivary glands and ducts. He or she may inject a contrast dye to view the images clearly. It is essential for the management of a blockage in duct and salivary gland infections in patients. 
• Salivary Scintigraphy: It is a nuclear medicine test in which a doctor takes images of the salivary glands to check for proper function. This procedure is applicable for the management of a blockage in salivary gland and Xerostomia condition. 
• Blood test: This diagnostic procedure is suggested for individuals with high levels of inflammation in the blood. It contains two antibodies named anti-Ro and anti-La. They are most essential for diagnosing Sjogren’s Syndrome in individuals. 
• Lip Biopsy: A surgeon performs this surgery to detect the clusters of inflammatory cells into the salivary glands. During this procedure, a small piece of tissue is removed from the glands and then it is sent for examination. 

Treatment

The treatment will only be possible in two different ways. These are as follows:

Eye Treatment

The lubricating eye drops are helpful for patients when the dryness or soreness occur in their eyes. Its main advantage is to keep the eye moist and minimize friction problems in them. This kind of product can be purchased at different chemist or medical stores. It is applicable in various brands.

An individual may try all of them or consult with a doctor or a healthcare provider to select the right option. The ointments, gels or sprays are mainly recommended for eye dryness. An eye drop with steroid compound is suggested for inflamed eyes. 

Mucolytic eye drops are given to patients when their eyes are getting affected from mucus problem. They can also use paraffin based ointments, which prevent dryness and irritation in their eyes. 

If these options are not helpful for individuals, then the punctal occlusion may be suggested for them. This surgery can be performed through various tiny plugs. These devices are inserted into the duct which is mainly beneficial for eyes. 

Mouth Treatment

An individual can consult with a dentist if he or she is affected by a mouth sore problem. Some medication drugs such as lozenges, gels etc., protect the mouth from dryness and infection. A patient must use a spray with fluoride compounds because the acidic spray increases the tooth decay which becomes harmful for the mouth. 

The antifungal treatments are also an option for patients, if their mouth is affected from dry cough and fungal infections. They can use mouth rinses with a chlorhexidine compound, which might be helpful for  dental hygiene. It can be used only for a shorter period. 

A patient can also use toothpastes or mousses, which contain fluoride compounds that are helpful for the minimization of tooth decay. He or she must avoid alcohol products because they are harmful and can cause dryness in their mouth.