Existing Treatments… or Lackthereof

Unfortunately, there are no cures for Sjogren's Syndrome. But, the good news is, it can be treated and controlled. By staying hydrated and following simple steps or even getting certain procedures done, the effects of Sjogren's can be mitigated and discomfort and harm can be reduced.
Some of the less common side affects may include fatigue, flexibility, and joint and muscle pain. These can be treated with simple routine exercises to get the blood pumping and reduce stiffness.
Other more common symptoms include dryness in the mouth, nose, and eyes. For mouth dryness, mouth hygiene is key. It may not prevent dry mouth completely, but it prevents infection and cavities in the event of excessive mouth dryness. Toothpastes and oral gels containing low doses of peroxide are available as over the counter medications. Make sure there are not high doses of peroxide… this will just increase dryness. These products also may have antibacterial action to reduce the severity of dental cavities over a long period of time.
Try sucking on candy and sipping water, or even chewing gum often to increase saliva production. Or simply use saliva stimulants, such as pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac).
For dry nose, moistening nose drops are available for over-the-counter purchase at a convenient cost. Keeping the nasal passages damp is necessary not only to slow down progression of Sjogren’s, but also to avoid and protect against bacterial and viral diseases that usually-moist-nasal passages catch. Humidifiers may also help retain moisture, especially during the night as you sleep and air passages become more dry than usual.
Dry eyes can be helped by artificial tears and eyedrops and ointments. Also, reducing the time using the blowdrier may contribute. If you are a smoker, smoking dehydrates the body and blood vessels, so try to quit- or if that doesn’t help, reduce your smoking habits. If the dryness becomes more significant, your ophthalmologist can plug the tear duct closed so that tears cover the eye longer. Cyclosporine eyedrops (Restasis) are recently approved medicated drops that can reduce the inflammation of the tear glands improving their function. Signs of eye infection such as conjunctivitis, puss, or excessive redness or pain, need close attention to be paid to them. It may be more serious than it seems. A flare up may occur.
Common medications used to treat Sjogren’s include Plaquenil and Prednizone. Surgery is not a recommended solution for a patient with Sjogren’s Syndrome, (1) because it does not help anything and (2) because a person with Sjogren’s Syndrome typically takes medications or has naturally thinning blood. Proceding with surgery, blood clotting and healing may be difficult and sometimes fatal. A Patient with Sjogren’s Syndrome should always take extreme precaution when making decisions such as these.