EYES
Eyes can become dry and irritable also sore.
strong bright lights may hurt.
you may wake up with sticky eyes and mucus.
(If there are corneal ulcers or infection seek medical help as soon as possible)
use lubricant eye drops such as Hypromellose,
Sno tears,Viscotears according to instructions on the bottle or as prescribed by your Doctor.
severe dry eye may need ointments like Ciclosporin or pseudoplastic drops like Celluvisc, Viscotears and staying clear of eye drops containing preservatives is helpful, sometimes minor surgery is needed to plug the tear ducts. Wearing tinted glasses helps protect from light and wind. Do not use contact lenses.
MOUTH
The mouth can become very dry altering the taste of food and causing cavities in our teeth.
the voice can become weak and often croaky swallowing can become difficult with food sticking in the throat.
Mouth ulcers can become common and often arrive several at a time. A dry cough is also common.
Take extra care with dental hygiene, have regular dental check ups. clean teeth after eating sugary foods. Always use a Fluoride mouth wash and keep dentures extra clean Use artificial saliva such as Glandosane spray and lozenges like Salivix Linseed extract used as a mouth wash can be helpful chew sugar fee gum. if your mouth and throat feel "sticky"rinse with diluted Corsodyl mouthwash or dilute 1 teaspoon baking powder in 1 litre water and rinse and gargle with that, Be aware of fungal infections, your doctor may prescribe Salagen or Nystatin to help clear it.
Dry Cough
Humidifiers are a great help. also make sure of lots of plants with large green leaves in your rooms the help moisten the air.Avoid drugs like Antihistamines ,travel sickness pills and anti depressants.
Salivary Glands.
Can become painful. get advice from your doctor who will check for infection, sometimes Predisolene is prescribed. Headaches. these can be severe and migraine like. use painkillers made for migraines to control them
Joints,fever, aches and Pains.
take paracetamol, co-codamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen sometimes an steroid injection is used into isolated painful spots, Corticosteroids such as Prednisolone are prescribed
Lethargy
low spirits and lethargy are common and hard to get rid of. Plaquenil is often prescribed to control it. Reynaud's Often the finger will feel extremely cold and go blue. to prevent this wear gloves and protect the hands from extreme temperatures. if you smoke, stop doing so now! some people find an elasticised towling wrist band helpful Nifedipine is often prescribed.
MENOPAUSE
Woman of menopausal age who have Sjogren Syndrome often get more aggravated symptoms that those without Sjogrens. Hormone replacement therapy can be used, you should talk to your doctor about the risks of HRT
but sjogrens is not known to make those risks higher.
Skin
Dry skin is another common problem with Sjogren Syndrome. Avoid strong and perfumed soap and bath products. stay away from anything containing Sodium laureth sulfate, this is a chemical used to make bubbles and is in practically everything you use for cleaning yourself and your home. Use Aqueous creams and emollients such as E45 and barrier creams to protect. Do Not use sun beds or sun bath and use high spf sun creams Dryness of the vagina can be helped with KY jelly and if Dyspareunia (painful intercourse) is experienced use oestrogen creams. beware of increased likelihood of thrush and get it treated immediately.
