Sjogren’s Treatment is a collection of medication and dietary changes that help ameliorate Sjogrens syndrome, a disease of the autoimmune system when the glands that make tears and saliva come under attack by the autoimmune calls. The many symptoms can include dry eyes, mouth, skin, but more seriously it can include fatigue and depression, affect the kidneys, pancreas, the brain and the nervous system.

The disease usually is more common with women in their late forties with 9 out of 10 patients being female. An estimated four million Americans are afflicted, and there is no known cure for the disease. Diagnosis is often extremely difficult to make since the symptoms are often confused with other associated autoimmune disorders and it usually take 6 to 7 years to make.

Presently, there is no one diagnostic tool that can check for this syndrome. The ANA test can look for the presence of a high concentration of anti-nuclear antibodies. Genetic tests can search for the markers that are SS A and SS B: 70% of patients are positive for SS A and 40% are positive for SS B. The IGs test tests for elevated levels of immunoglobins, a protein that may indicate immune reactions to the production of moisture.

To measure tear production to check for dry eyes, there is the Schrimer test. A dentist can also test for low moisture levels in the mouth by doing a saliva test.

At present, there is no known cure for the disorder but there are numerous treatments and dietary adjustments which can ease the symptoms. There are several kinds of medications for dry eye and dry mouth. Among them are Restasis and Lacrisert for dry irritated eyes. For dry mouth, there is Evoxac (cevimeline), Salagen (pilocarpine hydrochloride) and Namoisyn.

People with the disorder are advised not to eat spicy or hard, crunchy foods that might irritate the inside of the mouth. Instead, they should choose soft and easy to swallow foods. Alcohol of all types dries out the mouth and acidic fruits, vegetables and juices should also be avoided since the acid in the fruit irritates the mouth.

When eating food, people should get in the habit of dipping their food in sauces, gravy, and salad dressings in order to add moisture. Foods can be softened with skim milk, water, broth, water and even melted margarine. Cucumber can be added to meals because it is high in water content.

Exercise is recommended to combat the fatigue, which is a symptom of Sjogrens syndrome. A list of support groups on the Sjogrens website is available for people who wish to share their struggles and their coping strategies.

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