<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
Sharon,
Here is some information about dry lips and mouth, as a symptom
of Sjogren's syndrome that I found in "Women's Health Watch" from Harvard
University. I has been meaning to post this to the list before because,
being an autoimmune disease, celiacs are at a higher risk of getting this
than the general population.
"Sjogren's syndrome...is a chronic disease in which hte immune
system turns on the body, attacking the exocrine (mucus-secreting) glands
and diminishing the production of tears, saliva, or both. The cause is
unknown, but both hereditary factors and viruses are thought to play a
role in stimulating the autoimmune [rocess. It affects women roughly nine
times as frequently as men.
About 50% of the time, dry eyes and mouth occus in conjunction
with chronic inflammarory arthritis, such as rheumatoid disease,
scleroderma, or systemic lupus. In these cases, the syndrome is termed
secondary Sjogren's syndrome. Your doctor can perform a blood test to
determine whether you have secondary Sjogren's and need to be treated for
inflammatory disorders as well.
In either case,the emphasis in treating your eyes will be on
keeping them lubricated. There are a number of artificial-tear
preparations that should be applied four times a day to be effective and
ointments for hight-time use. Avoiding pollutants and wearing goggles
while swimming will help you to avoid infection as well as inflammation.
If these measures aren't effective, your opthalmologist may recomment
artificial-tear inserts or a minor surgical procedure on the ducts. Ti's
important to report any ecivence of infection to your doctor for early
treatment.
Dry mouth is more difficult to treat. There are salica
substitutes, which can be sprayed into the mouth. Because bacteris thrive
when slaica levels are low. good dental hygiene and regular checkups are
a must.
For more information, call the Sjogren's syndrome Foundation
1-800-4-SJOGREN."
Hope this helps.
Ellen
SF, CA
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