If the condition is secondary to Sjögren’s syndrome, treatment of the underlying disease is the primary concern.
General measures
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes):
- Stay in rooms with adequate humidity.
- Protect eyes from smoke and wind, for example, sunglasses.
- Regularly close your eyes for a brief moment.
- For more, see the topic of the same name.
- Xerostomia (dry mouth):
- Chew sugarless gum to promote secretion stimulation of the salivary glands.
- Sour candies (sugar-free) or sour fruit also promote salivation.
- Caries prophylaxis:
- Rinses with chlorhexidine (antibacterial).
- Fluoridation if necessary
- Regular dental examinations
- Professional dental cleaning (PZR)
- Nicotine restriction (refrain from tobacco use) and alcohol restriction (refrain from alcohol use) – both stimulants can increase the dry mouth
- Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease.
Regular check-ups
- Regular medical checkups
Nutritional medicine
- Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
- Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things:
- Daily total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits).
- Once or twice a week fresh sea fish, i.e. fatty marine fish (omega-3 fatty acids) such as salmon, herring, mackerel.
- High-fiber diet (whole grains, vegetables).
- Observe the following specific dietary recommendations for symptomatic therapy of xerostomia (dry mouth):
- Drink plenty of fluids (a daily drinking amount of at least two liters is recommended).
- Frequently drink small amounts (lemon or peppermint tea), which promotes salivation.
- Buttermilk and kefir promote the formation of mucus (rinse with water). Fresh milk is not suitable.
- For dry mouth, sucking frozen pieces of fruit and yogurt can provide relief.
- Prefer: juicy food, sauces, soups, pureed vegetables, mashed potatoes.
- Avoid: Crumbly and dry.
- Selection of appropriate food based on the nutritional analysis.
- See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
- Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.