Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the glands responsible for moisturizing the body, such as the salivary glands.
The most prominent symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome are dry mouth, eyes, nose, digestive system, and vagina.
So What Is the Best Treatment for Sjögren’s Syndrome? It depends on the symptoms caused by the disease, which vary from one patient to another.
While the majority of patients suffer from dry mouth and eyes and rely on home remedies and over-the-counter medications, others suffer from difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, joint pain, and fatigue. In rare cases, the disease affects the blood vessels, lungs, and kidneys.
Common Symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome
Common symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome include:
- Dry eyes.
- Dry mouth.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Muscle and joint pain, especially in the small joints.
- Muscle weakness.
- Dry, itchy skin or rash.
- Swelling of the glands around the face and neck.
- A chronic cough that may be misdiagnosed as pneumonia
- Changes in the voice to be hoarse or quiet
- Vaginal dryness.
- Pain when urinating. (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin , 2024)
Problems caused by Sjögren’s Syndrome include:
- Eye problems such as itching, burning, redness or tearing and sensitivity to light
- Mouth and throat problems such as difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Acid reflux
- Sleep problems
- Poor concentration
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
Medications and Therapies for Symptom Relief
Now what is the best treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome?
Medications and treatments to relieve the symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome include the following:
Medications
- Corticosteroids: which act as inhibitors of inflammation that affects the joints and to treat skin rashes and are available in the form of topical creams or medications given orally or by injection.
- Immunosuppressants: Because the disease is an autoimmune disease, immunosuppressants such as cyclophosphamide, rituximab, and azathioprine can help improve symptoms.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These are medications that are dispensed without a prescription to treat pain, swelling, and inflammation.
- Eye drops: which are prescribed by the treating physician to improve the symptoms of dry eyes.
- Saliva production stimulators: to treat dry mouth such as pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac).
- Acid reflux medications: to treat the problem of stomach acid reflux.
- Anti-fungal medications: to treat yeast that infects the mouth.
Adjuvant treatments:
- Saline solution.
- Nasal gels.
- Sugar-free hard candy.
- Moisturizing creams.
- Oxygen for breathing.
- Lung rehabilitation with breathing exercises. (Sjögren’s Foundation, n.d.)
Read Also: Guillain-Barre Syndrome Life Expectancy
Lifestyle Tips for Managing Sjögren’s Syndrome
What is the best treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome, including changing your lifestyle to suit the disease.
The most important things you can do to protect yourself from symptoms:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and carrying a water bottle with you. There is no harm in sucking on ice.
- Take care of your oral and dental health by using toothpaste for dry mouth, brushing and flossing your teeth, eating sugar-free candy and gum, and using artificial saliva sprays.
- Eye care requires using artificial tears regularly, especially in dry weather, avoiding drafts, fumes and smoke, and wearing sunglasses.
- Use a home humidifier, especially at night.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Eat soft, moist foods.
- Avoid salty and spicy foods.
- Wear a scarf and head covering in cold weather.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Do relaxation exercises such as yoga and breathing exercises.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin . (2024). Retrieved from Sjögren’s Disease
- Sjögren’s Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved from Understanding Sjögren’s Treatment
