Sjogren’s Syndrome, like other autoimmune diseases, is a serious illness which is very difficult to cope with. In autoimmune diseases, the body begins to fight itself, causing serious, even life threatening complications and are characterized by intense pain and inflammation.
In the case of Sjogren’s Syndrome, the body’s immune system turns on the endocrine system, especially the tear and saliva glands. Most Sjogren’s patients are women, with about four million people suffering from the disease worldwide.
Diagnosing Sjogren’s Syndrome – Sjogren’s Syndrome’s symptoms mimic those of arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases, which leads to the disease often being misdiagnosed. Patients commonly exhibit several different systems, further complicating the picture.
Medications Routinely Used – Because Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease, no cure is currently available. All of the medications used for Sjogren’s syndrome help relieve the symptoms and inflammation often present in the glands and other tissues. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprophen, naproxen, aspirin and others may be used to reduce inflammation. Physicians often prescribe corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs if internal organs are involved in the syndrome.
Sores and infections require specific antibiotics to allow healing and to prevent systemic infection.
Because treatment often has serious side effects, patients often seek natural remedies as well as preventive care.
Natural Treatment Options – Treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome involves helping provide supportive therapy to help relieve the symptoms resulting from the syndrome. Treatment focuses on the major symptoms, specifically providing artificial tears for dry eyes and artificial saliva for dry mouth.
Natural remedies include balancing rest and exercise. Syndrome sufferers benefit from a balanced diet that supports natural immune health as well. Some patients have benefited from herbal remedies. Herbal supplements specifically designed to support immune health have been reported by patients to provide some symptom relief.
For discomfort and pain, some have found that acupuncture is also helpful. Because the syndrome presents with a variety of symptoms, including joint pain and pain in the extremities, a combination of acupuncture and acupressure may be helpful in relieving discomfort.
Preventive Care – Because there is no cure, preventing damage to the eyes, especially by avoiding dust, smoke and protecting the eyes from dry wind is important. Preventing dry eye will also help prevent corneal abrasions and infections that are commonly seen in this syndrome. Patients are also cautioned about using hair dryers or letting the eyes dry out excessively. A doctor should immediately examine any inflammation, redness, pus or pain in the eye.
It is also very important for those with the syndrome to brush and floss daily. Either regular or natural dental products are helpful. Keeping the teeth and mouth clean will help prevent gum and mouth sores. Drinking plenty of fluids, humidifying the air and using artificial saliva helps prevent gum and dental infections.
- Natural Treatments For Candida - If you or someone that you care about needs to deal with constant Candida infections, you might find that you are looking at something that is quite frustrating! Do you know what Candida is and what it does? Remember that Candida is a yeast that is usually kept in check by your immune system and ...
- The Benefits of Glutathione Therapy - Anyone living with Parkinson’s disease knows that there are good and bad days. For days when there are challenges, a new treatment, one that is relatively affordable, effective, and safe has been discovered.
Glutathione therapy was pioneered by Dr. Perlmutter, showing impressive results that have exceeded anything imagined. Keep in mind that having IV Glutathione ...
- Natural Treatment for IBS and General Information - IBS stands for irritable bowel syndrome, an uncomfortable, often painful and nearly always embarrassing condition which affects millions of people around the globe. It’s not a serious disease in that it’s life threatening, but the discomfort and pain it can cause can be very severe.
...
