Home Remedies for Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome

Understanding Sjogren's Syndrome: Types, Diagnosis & Treatment

Living with Sjogren's syndrome can make you feel like you're walking through a dry desert. Simple tasks become hard, and discomfort follows you everywhere. This autoimmune disease affects glands that cause moisture, causing symptoms like dry eyes and mouth.

Sjogren's disease is estimated at 6.9 cases per 100,000 person-years; the prevalence of the disease has been found at 60.8 cases per 100,000 people. The disease shows a striking female predominance. According to its studies, the female-to-male ratio ranges from 9:1 to 28:1.

To manage their symptoms and live better, people with Sjogren's syndrome need to understand it well. Let's find out what Sjogren's syndrome is, what causes it, its major symptoms, how doctors diagnose it, and how to treat it.

What is Sjogren's Syndrome?

So, what is Sjogren's syndrome? It is a chronic autoimmune disorder that is also called Sjogren's disease. In this disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands in the eyes, mouth, and other places, causing dry eyes and mouth.

You might feel dryness in your nose, throat, and skin. Besides, the disease can also affect joints, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, digestive system organs, and nerves. However, for a majority of people with Sjogren's, their health is good, and they would not have serious complications.

What are the Types of Sjogren's Syndrome?

The medical professional may use two terms that describe different forms of Sjogren's syndrome:

Types	Description
Primary Sjogren's Syndrome	It is used to describe the condition when it stands alone, not combined with another autoimmune rheumatic disease.
Secondary Sjogren's Syndrome	It refers to the disease occurring in association with another autoimmune or rheumatic disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or lupus.

What are the Causes of Sjogren's Syndrome?

Although the cause of Sjogren's syndrome is unknown, researchers think that it involves genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. The following health conditions could lead to secondary Sjogren’s syndrome, especially other autoimmune disorders, and certain viral infections.

Viral infections associated with the development of secondary Sjogren’s syndrome include:

Hepatitis C
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Epstein-Barr virus
Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV)
COVID-19

Any autoimmune disease can induce secondary Sjogren’s syndrome. Among some autoimmune diseases associated with Sjogren’s syndrome are the following diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and many more.

Numerous illnesses are linked to Sjogren's syndrome by research, but if an individual is suffering from one of these particular diseases, this does not assure them that they will develop Sjogren's syndrome.

What are the Risk Factors for Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Any person can be diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, but certain groups are more susceptible:

Women and individuals assigned female at birth are far more likely to be diagnosed. More than 90% of those with the condition are diagnosed in this category. Although those assigned male at birth are susceptible, the rate of occurrence is significantly lower.
Individuals with other autoimmune diseases are also at higher risk, as roughly half of patients diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome have an additional autoimmune condition.
The common age group affected is between the ages of 45 and 55 years. Though the syndrome may occur in children, younger adults, and those over 55, it mainly occurs in adults within that particular age range.
A family history of Sjogren’s syndrome is another risk factor, with about 10% of individuals diagnosed having a direct relative, such as a biological parent or sibling, who also has the condition.

What are the Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome?

The major symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome include dry eyes and dry mouth, but one or the other may be present, or both can occur at the same time.

Some of the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome eyes may include:

A gritty sensation
A burning or itchy feeling
Photophobia or sensitivity to light
Blurred vision
Irritation, itchiness, and inflammation of the eyelids

Some of the symptoms of dry mouth might be:

A chalky sensation
Difficulties with swallowing, tasting, or talking
Oral infection, for example, oral thrush
Oral cavity problem, like dental caries

Sjogren’s syndrome also causes inflammation in other tissues of the body, leading to a lot of general symptoms. More possible symptoms include:

Dry skin
Joint pain
Fatigue
Vaginal dryness
Difficulty focusing and remembering things
Sleep disturbance
Breathlessness
Drying of the nasal passages and throat
Dry cough
Weakness in muscle
Acid reflux
Muscle aches
Rashes on the skin
Swollen nodes of the neck and face
Numbness and tingling feeling in the arms and legs

In addition, some patients might have:

Peripheral neuropathy
Irritable bowel syndrome
Abnormal liver function test
Raynaud's phenomenon

Sjogren's Syndrome Test

A healthcare provider will diagnose Sjogren’s syndrome through an examination and several tests. They look at your body and ask about your symptoms. In general, diagnosing Sjogren’s syndrome often involves a process of elimination.

For instance, your provider may perform several tests to rule out any other conditions that may cause your symptoms before diagnosing Sjogren’s syndrome. Some tests you may require include the following:

Blood tests
Biopsies
Dental cleaning and check-up
Ophthalmological tests and eye examination
Urinalysis
X-rays
Salivary flow rate
Salivary scintigraphy
Sialogram
Chest X-ray or CT scan

You may also be required to visit several specialists, like a rheumatologist, an eye care specialist, an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT), or a dentist.

Sjogren’s Syndrome Treatment

Sjogren’s syndrome treatment primarily consists of moisturizing the affected areas and preventing complications. Some notable treatment methods include:

Saliva Enhancing Medications: It has been found useful with medications such as pilocarpine and cevimeline, which can stimulate saliva production but only work for some hours, hence implying the patient takes multiple doses daily.
Sialagogues:: This includes saliva substitutes and mouth gels, which can reduce the symptoms of dry mouth. It is available in the form of spray, pre-treated swabs, and liquid. Such products can be extremely helpful at night when dryness is particularly worse.
Artificial Tears:: Sjogren’s syndrome treatment also includes artificial tears that can help maintain moist eyes, and there are some over-the-counter varieties. Prescription varieties, such as cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion and hydroxypropyl cellulose pellets, can significantly reduce the reliance on artificial tears.
Eye Drops: Your healthcare provider might advise using over-the-counter or prescription artificial eye drops to lubricate your eyes. These ones might actually reduce the need for artificial tears depending on the prescription, and some are prescribed as such, including cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion and hydroxypropyl cellulose pellets.
Prescription Expectorants and Throat Treatments: : For respiratory dryness, patients with Sjogren's can be given medications that encourage the flow of saliva, such as linseed extract, sorbitol, xylitol, or malic acid.
NSAIDs: Patients with Sjogren's can be prescribed pain relievers for the joint, including aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen.
Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) : If joint pain is accompanied by fatigue and rashes, DMARDs like hydroxychloroquine or methotrexate may help. Stronger DMARDs, corticosteroids, or rituximab may be used if Sjogren's affects muscles, nerves, lungs, or kidneys.
Vaginal Lubricants: Your doctor may advise you to use store-bought or prescribed lubricants that will keep your vagina well-moistened throughout the day or during the time of sex.

Home Remedies for Sjogren's Syndrome

You can take several self-help measures in order to minimize your symptoms.

For Sjogren's Syndrome Mouth

Drink water several times a day.
You might chew on sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candies to induce saliva production and keep your mouth moist.
Avoid carbonated drinks spicy, salty, acidic, and dry foodstuffs because these can irritate your mouth further.
Difficulty swallowing often requires that you eat moist foods and swallow water during meals. If you have low taste sensitivity, liquid may be added to your food.
Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day to help prevent cavities.
Do not use mouthwashes that have alcohol as an ingredient.
Oil pulling with olive oil or coconut oil for a few minutes can be soothing.
Apply edible oils that moisturize, such as coconut oil or vitamin E, directly to dry spots on your mouth or tongue. The use of lip balm also helps if your lips are dry.
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, as these elements exacerbate dryness in the mouth.

For Sjogren's Syndrome Face

Avoid eyes-drying things, such as smoky places, windy rooms, smoke, dust, and fans.
Take intervals while working at the computer and rest your eyes.
Wear protective glasses with a wraparound shape, moisture chamber glasses, or goggles to protect your eyes from dry air.
Avoid eye shadow or cream on eyelids.
Place a warm, damp washcloth over your eyelids for several minutes before bed and when waking up to help calm your oil glands and reduce irritation.
Use a humidifier or vaporizer at night to help soothe dry eyes, nose, and mouth. Consider integrating a whole-house humidifier into your HVAC system.
If your nose is dry, consider using a nasal saline spray or gel.
Use warm water when bathing or showering
Apply moisturizer on a regular basis.

Understanding the disease is essential for a patient with an autoimmune disease like Sjogren's syndrome. The symptoms and effective management can enable the person to encounter the challenges in a better way.

Besides, availing comprehensive health insurance coverage from Star Health Insurance can provide adequate support in managing health conditions like Sjogren's syndrome, ensuring access to necessary treatments and care.

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FAQ's

What is Sjogren's syndrome hands?

Sjogren's syndrome can have significant implications for the hands as joint pain and stiffness make it arduous to write, hold onto things, etc. Most often, coupled with fatigue, this discomfort affects dexterity and quality of life.

What is Sjogren's syndrome lips?

Dry lips are another frequent symptom of Sjogren's syndrome due to decreased saliva production. This may lead to cracked and painful lips, so people should drink plenty of fluids and apply moisturizers frequently to prevent the occurrence of such.

What is Sjogren's syndrome face?

Sjogren's syndrome can cause dry skin and inflammation of the face. This can make the face appear dull or fatigued. Moisture deficiency affects skin elasticity. Proper skincare and hydration are a must to maintain healthy-looking, vibrant skin.

How can I cure my Sjogren's syndrome?

There is no cure for Sjogren's syndrome, but the symptoms can be managed. The available options include using artificial tears for dry eyes, saliva substitutes for dry mouth, and medications that stimulate saliva production. It is essential to work with a healthcare provider in order to develop a personalized management program that deals with specific symptoms.