Patients with dry eyes should see an ophthalmologist eye doctor regularly for signs of damage to the cornea. Patients with excessive redness and pain in the eyes should be evaluated for infections.
Patients should know that they face an increased risk for infections in and around the eyes and an increased risk for dental problems due to the long-term decrease in tears and saliva. Rarely, patients may have complications related to inflammation in other body systems, including:. Rheumatologists are specialists in musculoskeletal disorders and, therefore, are more likely to make a proper diagnosis.
They also can advise patients about the best treatment options available. When a diagnosis is made, many patients must focus a great deal of attention dealing with dry eyes and dry mouth, but these symptoms tend to subside with time.
Any pain or redness in the eyes should be evaluated promptly, as this may signal an infection. To reduce risk for cavities and other dental problems, patients must pay close attention to proper oral hygiene and regular dental care.
Patients should see their physician regularly for general health screening. They also should pay close attention to any abnormal swelling in the glands around the face or neck, under the arms, or in the groin areas, as this may be a sign of lymphoma.
This information is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition.
Do you need help? Call Help Get more information. Treatments often do not completely eliminate the symptoms of dryness. Thus, regular medical care and follow up is important for all patients. Other symptoms can include: swelling and tenderness of the glands around your face, neck, armpits and groin tiredness fatigue dry skin or rashes joint pain and general achiness dryness of the nose, ear and throat vaginal dryness bowel irritation.
Complications can include: increased risk of dental decay increased risk of developing thrush infections in the mouth vision problems inflammation of internal organs such as the kidneys, lungs or liver problems with the circulatory and nervous system.
Treatment may include: artificial tears and lubricating ointments for the eyes artificial saliva mouth rinses and lozenges nasal sprays vaginal lubricants moisturising lotion for the skin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs — these medications for example naproxen and ibuprofen help control inflammation and provide temporary pain relief corticosteroid medications — may be used as a temporary treatment for joint pain immunosuppressive medications for example hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate — may be used to help control your overactive immune system.
Avoid air drafts or windy weather. Wear protective glasses when outside in the wind and sun. Sip water regularly or suck ice cubes.
Avoid strong soaps that may dry out your skin. Try to increase the humidity in your home. Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, stop smoking and reduce stress to help your overall health and wellbeing.
Eat soft, moist foods if you have trouble swallowing. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to stimulate saliva flow. Use warm not hot water when taking a shower or bath. Chew sugarless gum to stimulate saliva.
Avoid salty, acidic or spicy foods and carbonated drinks that may be painful if your mouth is dry. Practice good dental hygiene and visit your dentist often.
Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. In some cases, lifestyle changes can help certain symptoms such as fatigue and gastro-intestinal reflux, and over-the-counter products can help alleviate symptoms such as dryness. Most patients will need prescription medications at some point in their disease course to help control their disease and reduce the potential for complications.
A number of different medications are available that can be used to manage symptoms. Below are a few of the prescription treatments available, but by no means is this an exhaustive list.
Talk to your physician for more information.
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