Sjögren's Syndrome Treatment
There is no known cure for Sjögren's so the goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms of the disorder. The most common symptoms of the disorder are dry mouth and dry eyes, but symptoms vary from person to person, so treatment may vary as well. Your doctor will be able to help you figure out what treatment options may work best for you.
The good news: with early diagnosis and proper treatment, many patients with Sjögren's are able to manage their symptoms so that they can continue to lead full lives.
For some easy tips on how to better control the symptoms of Sjögren's, please visit our Living with Sjögren's Syndrome section.
Treatment for Dry-Mouth Symptoms
Patients with Sjögren's syndrome may produce at least a third less saliva than the average person. Saliva is important because it helps neutralize acid from bacteria in the mouth which in turn helps prevent dental decay. If you are not producing enough saliva then your risk for tooth decay can increase.
To help relieve the dry-mouth symptoms associated with Sjögren's, doctors may recommend the following:
-
Saliva substitutes – Saliva substitutes mimic some of the properties of saliva, which means they make the mouth feel wet and can be helpful if you produce small amounts of saliva, or none at all. They can come in a gel form or as a solution and because they can reduce oral symptoms and do not cause excessive urine formation, it is sometimes suggested that they be used at night instead of drinking water. However, their effectiveness is limited by the fact that you eventually swallow them.
-
Prescription medications – Medications such as cholinergic agonists can help to stimulate the salivary glands and increase the production of saliva. Side effects may include sweating, abdominal pain, flushing and increased urination. Be sure to talk to your doctor to find out what is right for you.
Treatment for Dry-Eye Symptoms
Depending on how severe your dry-eye symptoms are your doctor may suggest the following:
-
Artificial tears or ointments – There are a number of different options that are available over-the-counter or by prescription. These products keep eyes moist by replacing natural tears.
-
Surgery – In more extreme cases, a surgical procedure called punctal occlusion may be an option. During this procedure, the tear ducts that drain tears from your eyes are sealed, and collagen or silicone plugs are inserted into the ducts to close them temporarily. The tear ducts can also be sealed with a laser for a more permanent effect.
Other Treatments for Sjögren's Symptoms
If your symptoms go beyond those affecting the moisture-producing glands of your mouth and eyes (extraglandular involvement), your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:
-
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Some Sjögren's patients may develop arthritis symptoms, and may benefit from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other arthritis remedies to help relieve joint and muscle pain.
-
Antifungal medications – Oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth, should be treated with antifungal medications.
-
Treatments for systemic symptoms – For some patients, treatments such as hydroxychloroquine, a medication used to treat malaria, may be helpful. In some cases corticosteroids such as prednisone and/or immunosuppressive agents, such as methotrexate, may be appropriate.
