Your doctor may suggest the following strategies and treatments:
Practice good oral hygiene. Dry mouth can increase your risk of cavities and infections, which is why dental problems are common in people with Sjogren’s syndrome. To prevent cavities and other problems, brush your teeth after every meal and before bed, and floss every day. Your doctor may also recommend toothpastes or mouthwashes designed to treat dry mouth.
Prevent dry mouth. Drink sips of water frequently throughout the day and chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to keep your mouth moist and increase saliva production. (Avoid sugary foods and drinks as they can lead to tooth decay.)
Try to limit or avoid coffee, alcohol, and nicotine because they can irritate and dry out your mouth, and use a lip balm to prevent dry or chapped lips.
Keep your eyes moisturized and protected. Your doctor may recommend lubricating eye drops or ointments to help keep your eyes moist. It’s important to treat dry eyes if you have Sjogren’s syndrome because, in rare cases, the constant irritation can lead to infection, scarring, and may affect your vision.
If your dry eyes are severe and persistent, talk to your doctor about other treatments. One option may be a punctate occlusion, in which tear ducts are sealed off with collagen or silicone plugs to prevent tear drainage in order to increase lubrication in your eyes.
Related: 9 ways to deal with dry eyes
Find an exercise plan that protects your joints. If you have joint pain or swelling, talk to your doctor or physical therapist to find exercises that can help you relieve joint stiffness and improve range of motion and flexibility.
Take a look at your diet. Many people with Sjogren’s syndrome have problems with eating. Some people may have difficulty eating certain foods due to a dry, swollen throat, while others may experience digestive issues, such as heartburn and acid reflux, which are common in people with Sjogren’s disease.
If you’re experiencing digestive symptoms, talk to a rheumatologist and dietitian to determine which foods to avoid and what to include in your diet to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need. Sometimes this requires keeping what’s called a food diary, where you record what you eat and try to relate that to your symptoms.
Medication options
Medication may be required for people who have symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes, or more serious symptoms related to inflammation affecting organs such as the kidneys, intestines, lungs, or brain. Medications that may be recommended include:
- Mild pain relievers for muscles and joints These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
- Choline agonists Your doctor may prescribe these medications, which help stimulate secretions in the body, to help produce more tears and saliva.
- Vaginal dryness treatments Doctors may recommend over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers or prescription estrogens (in cream, ring, or tablet form) to those who may be experiencing vaginal dryness.
- steroids, such as predzone, To treat bouts of symptoms such as joint pain or rashes While prednisone (Deltasone) and other steroids are effective in reducing inflammation, they have side effects—such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis—that are associated with higher doses and long-term use.
- Immunosuppressive drugs for joint pain. These drugs, as their name suggests, suppress an overactive immune system. Your doctor may initially prescribe hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil); Methotrexate may then be considered. In more severe cases of Sjögren’s disease, in which organs are affected, doctors may prescribe stronger immunosuppressants, such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and rituximab.
Alternative and complementary therapies
- Acupuncture for dry eyes A review of studies found that acupuncture was more effective than artificial tears in treating dry eye syndrome.
- Paraffin bath Applying moist heat to your hands and wrists in the morning by immersing them in warm wax may help relieve stiffness.
- Light exercises Tai chi, yoga and dance can help strengthen muscles and maintain range of motion.
- Nutritional supplements Some research has suggested that omega-3 supplements may help improve symptoms associated with dry eyes.
Sjogren’s prevention“s syndrome
There is no known way to prevent Sjogren’s syndrome, but there are treatments and measures you can take to relieve symptoms such as dry eyes and mouth, and joint pain.
