How to Treat Sjogren's Syndrome

The autoimmune disease Sjogren's Syndrome is a disease in which a person's immune system attacks the person's own cells. The syndrome targets the moisture-producing glands, causing dryness in the eyes and mouth. Follow the steps to treat the effects of Sjogren's Syndrome on the eyes and mouth.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Treating Dry Eyes

1. Use artificial tears for dry eyes.
2. Experiment to find the most comfortable brand of eye drops. Look for drops that have no preservatives. Know that they usually come in single-dose packages to prevent bacteria contamination.
3. Use an eye ointment at night to protect and moisturize the eye for several hours.
4. Slow the evaporation of natural tears. Put a pellet of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose on the lower eyelid and add artificial tears. Know that the pellet forms a film over your tears as it dissolves and traps moisture.
5. Consider punctal occlusion surgery to close the tear ducts which drain tears from the eyes. Inquire about a temporary closure by inserting plugs, laser or cautery.
6. Blink often while working on the computer or reading.
7. Use a humidifier in the bedroom and other rooms where you spend a lot of time or install a humidifier in the heating and air unit.
8. Put mascara only on the tips of your eyelashes to avoid getting it in your eyes. Use eyeliner or eye shadow only on the skin above the lashes, not on the sensitive skin under the lashes.
9. Ask the doctor whether your medications cause dryness. Find out how to reduce dryness if they do.

Treating Dry Mouth

10. Chew gum or suck on hard candy to stimulate salivary glands to produce saliva. Select sugar-free candy and gum because a dry mouth is more prone to cavities.
11. Sip water or another sugar free drink frequently to wet the mouth, especially during meals or while talking.
12. Ask your doctor to recommend a saliva substitute to mimic the properties of saliva. Know that gel-based substitutes last longest. Ask whether you can use the salivary gland stimulant drug pilocarpine or cevimeline.
13. Have teeth cleaned and examined by your dentist at least three times a year.
14. Rinse with water several times daily.
15. Use fluoride toothpaste to brush teeth, gums and tongue gently. Brush after meals and before bedtime. Select non-foaming toothpaste.
16. Floss teeth daily.
17. Choose sugar-free candy, gum and soda. Brush teeth immediately after eating or drinking sugary foods.
18. Check for sores or redness daily. Visit a dentist immediately if you have mouth bleeding or pain or if you notice anything abnormal.
19. Ask the dentist whether you need to use a fluoride at night, take fluoride supplements or have protective varnish on teeth to protect your enamel.
20. Put petroleum- or oil-based lipstick or lip balm on cracked, dry lips. Ask your doctor for medicine in an ointment, rinse or gel to put on the sore areas to control inflammation and pain.

Tips & Warnings

• Eye ointment may blur vision.
• Do not smoke and avoid smoke-filled rooms.
• Avoid using mouthwash containing alcohol.
• Avoid items containing sugar.
• Drinking a lot of liquid will not keep your mouth wet. It could cause more frequent urination and more dryness. Take sips.