What Does A Dry Mouth At Night Mean
Saliva plays a significant role in oral health. It functions as a way to help you digest food, avoid infection by keeping your mouth clean, and even stave off cavities by preventing bacterial growth in your mouth. When your mouth is perpetually dry at night, it means that it isnt producing enough saliva, leading to bacterial growth , along with an increased chance of cavities, difficulty swallowing, and even infection.
Sex Fertility And Pregnancy
Women with Sjögrens syndrome can sometimes have a dry vagina, which can make sex painful. Lubricants and creams made from the female sex hormone, oestrogen, can help with this. Treatments for infections such as thrush are available from chemists.
The condition doesnt affect fertility in men or women. However, there may be a higher risk of miscarriage in women who have anti-Ro or anti-La antibodies. Your doctor might suggest low-dose aspirin in the early stages of pregnancy to reduce this risk.
There arent usually any problems during or after pregnancy, and you may be able to carry on with some treatments, such as hydroxychloroquine, during pregnancy.
However, a very small number of women may pass anti-Ro or anti-La antibodies on to their baby during pregnancy. The baby could then develop symptoms, such as rashes and abnormal blood tests after birth.
These will clear up once the mothers antibodies have been lost from the babys blood. This can take anything from a couple of weeks to a few months.
In some cases, the antibodies affect the babys heart, causing it to beat slowly. If you have these antibodies, you should tell your obstetrician, as your babys heartbeat will need additional monitoring in the womb.
What Is Sjogrens Syndrome
Sjogrens syndrome is named after Swedish physician Henrik Sjogren. Dr. Sjogren initially became aware of patients suffering from an unknown condition that involved dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis in the early 1930s. Intrigued, Dr. Sjogren continued to study patients with these symptoms and ultimately concluded that they were the result of a systemic disease, which is now named after him. Dr. Sjogren continued to research and practice in the fields of ophthalmology and rheumatology into the 1970s.
Sjogrens syndrome is an autoimmune disease, meaning the bodys immune system is misfiring and attacking healthy cells. Autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren’s syndrome confuse the immune system, causing it to mistake healthy cells, tissue, joints, and organs for dangerous invaders such as bacteria and viruses.
In the case of Sjogrens syndrome, the immune system sends white blood cells to attack and destroy the bodys moisture-producing glands. These include the salivary glands, which produce saliva, and the lacrimal glands, which produce tears. While the disease primarily targets these glands, it can progress to targeting other parts of the body including the joints, nerves, blood vessels, and organs like the liver, kidneys, lungs, and thyroid.
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If You Think You May Have Sjgrens Syndrome
If these symptoms sound like ones youre experiencing, you could have Sjögrens syndrome. Its important to share this information with your general practitioner, eye doctor or dentist. If Sjögrens syndrome isnt treated appropriately, significant, long-term complications could result that affect your eyes, mouth, lungs, kidneys, liver or lymph nodes complications including blindness, significant dental destruction and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Your doctor will discuss your symptoms in greater detail and determine if you should see a specialist, such as a rheumatologist, for a diagnosis.
Sjogren Syndrome: Dry Eyes And Dry Mouth
Sjogren syndrome is a chronic disease caused by immunologicallymediated destruction of the lacrimal and salivary glands. It is characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth . Sjogrens syndrome is slowly progressing autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands.
The major infiltrating cells in the affected exocrine glands are activated T lymphocytes in mild lesions, whereas B cells prevail in severe lesions.
Types
- Primary -Sicca Syndrome, it has only Sjögren Syndrome.
- Secondary – In this variety Sjögren Syndrome is associated with few more autoimmune illnesses. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common associated disorder, while other patients have SLE, polymyositis, scleroderma, vasculitis, mixed connective tissue disease, or autoimmune thyroid disease.
Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis of Sjögren syndrome remains obscure, but activation of autoreactive T cells and B cells is the trigger for tissue infiltration and injury. What triggers such auto reactivity is uncertain in few cases and few cases occur after Viral illness. Viral infection of the salivary glands causes local cell death and release of tissue self-antigens, these escaped self-antigens can trigger autoreactive T cells and B cells. Middle-aged women are primarily affected and female to male ratio is 9:1
Serological studies-
Antibodies against two ribonucleoprotein antigens are seen.
Clinical symptoms
Due to inflammatory destruction of Exocrine glands
Diagnosis
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Is Sjgrens Syndrome Linked To Ms
MS may not lead to an increased risk of Sjögrens syndrome, but the two conditions may be related in other ways.
In the recent Brazilian study, researchers found that 1.49 percent of people with MS had Sjögrens syndrome. This is similar to rates seen in people without MS researchers estimate that Sjögrens syndrome occurs in 0.5 percent to 1 percent of the general population.
However, scientific research suggests that Sjögrens syndrome is underdiagnosed many people with the condition have not received a diagnosis and dont yet know they have it. Additionally, about half of people with Sjögrens syndrome have another autoimmune disorder, such as MS or rheumatoid arthritis. Its possible that many people with MS have Sjögrens syndrome without knowing it.
Sjögrens syndrome is also sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as MS. About 10 percent to 20 percent of people with this condition have lesions in the central nervous system . These can lead to some of the same symptoms seen in multiple sclerosis. Its possible that a small number of people who think they have MS may in fact have Sjögrens syndrome.
One MyMSTeam member who had been diagnosed with both MS and Sjögrens syndrome wrote, I was informed eight months ago I may not have MS due to Sjögrens imitating MS. Their doctor recommended further testing to clarify the diagnosis.
What Problems Can A Dry Mouth Cause
Saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy. If you have a dry mouth, you may experience a number of other problems too, such as:
- a burning sensation or soreness in your mouth
- tooth decay and gum disease
- difficulty speaking, eating or swallowing
Its important to maintain good oral hygiene if you have a dry mouth to reduce the risk of dental problems. You should also see a dentist regularly, so they can identify and treat any problems early on.
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Medications For Sjogrens Syndrome
For most people with Sjogrens syndrome, treating dry eye and dry mouth are enough to enhance the quality of their lives. But in those who develop joint pain, fatigue, nerve dysfunction, or fibromyalgia, symptoms can be treated with mild medications.
A small percentage of people with Sjogrens develop more severe inflammation, involving organs such as the kidneys, lungs, intestines, or brain. For these people, NYU Langone doctors may prescribe more aggressive medications.
Assessing Organ Function And Inflammation
A complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic profile , including liver function tests, help screen for liver and bile duct problems and assess electrolytes, blood glucose, and kidney health to look at any complications resulting from the condition.
Inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate assess inflammation levels throughout the body.
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What Is The Connection Between Dry Mouth And Fatigue
Dry mouth and fatigue may be connected when accompanied by other symptoms pertaining to certain illnesses, or when they come as side effects of a specific medication. Sjögrens Syndrome is one example of a disease that is known to cause both dry mouth and fatigue, along with the drying of the eyes and airways. Many medications used to treat other conditions also result in both symptoms, although they do not show up in all patients.
SS is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects women and is characterized by extreme dry mouth, dry eyes, dry airways, and drying of other mucosal passages. Debilitating fatigue is also a frequent complaint. It is relatively common and affects more people than any other rheumatoid-related illness. Medications may be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms.
Some prescription drugs may also cause these symptoms and can include a wide variety of medications. Symptoms are generally mild and may decrease as the body becomes adjusted to the new prescription. Dosages of the drug may also be altered if either of these symptoms, or any others, become too severe.
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What Is Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjogrens is an autoimmune condition, meaning the bodys own immune system turns on itself by attacking healthy tissue. The disease targets and inflames glands that make tears and saliva. It can also attack other moisture-producing glands and damage major organs and body systems.
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Scientists dont know exactly what causes Sjogrens. They think your genes make you susceptible, and that some environmental factor, like a virus or bacteria, pulls the trigger, prompting your immune systems over-the-top reaction.
Although its the second most common autoimmune disease after rheumatoid arthritis , Sjogrens isnt widely known and often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. With its odd collection of core symptomsdry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, and joint painit can take a while for people to recognize that somethings not right, and some doctors fail to piece it all together.
And, like other autoimmune conditions, Sjogrens symptoms can settle down for periods of time and then flare up again. Tennis star Venus Williams famously struggled with chronic fatigue and other symptoms for several years before being properly diagnosed with Sjogrens.
Esen Akpek, MD, professor of ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins Universitys Wilmer Eye Institute in Baltimore, says many people with Sjogrens just shrug off symptoms. For years and years, it just smolders, she says.
Sjogrens can occur alone or along with other autoimmune diseases, like RA or lupus.
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How Will Sjgrens Syndrome Affect Me
Though the symptoms can be uncomfortable and last quite a long time, you should be able to lead the life you want if the condition is treated properly. For most people, the condition only affects the tear and saliva glands, but some people may experience other symptoms, such as fatigue and joint inflammation.
If dryness of the eyes isnt treated, the front of your eye could become damaged and cause permanent sight problems. Seeing an optician regularly and using treatments for dry eyes can help stop this.
People with Sjögrens syndrome might be more likely to develop:
- hypothyroidism, when the thyroid gland is underactive
- Raynauds phenomenon, which causes the fingers to feel cold and turn blue
- inflamed blood vessels, known as vasculitis, which can cause reduced blood flow
- loss of feeling in the hands and feet, known as peripheral neuropathy
- IBS, causing tummy pain, diarrhoea and constipation
- kidney problems
- Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Reviewed on 12/21/2020
Chills can accompany many types of infection that cause fever. Fatigue and dehydration, which can lead to dry mouth, can be seen with different kinds of infection as well. Pay attention to what brings on your symptoms and what relieves them, and contact your doctor any time you are concerned.
Does Sjgrens Syndrome Cause Hair Loss
If you have Sjögrens syndrome, you might see some hair loss, and it might be as a result of the condition. There is a condition known as frontal fibrosing alopecia that is being found in higher numbers in people with autoimmune diseases. This condition causes slow hair loss at the front hairline and sometimes the eyebrows.
However, hair loss can be triggered by many things, including stressful life events and medications. You should ask your dermatologist about problems with hair loss.
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Study On Dry Eyes And Mouth In Ms: Could It Be Sjgrens Syndrome
- A new study suggests that some people with multiple sclerosis may unknowingly have an additional autoimmune disorder known as Sjögrens syndrome.
- Sjögrens syndrome commonly leads to dry eyes and a dry mouth.
- Symptoms of MS and Sjögrens syndrome may overlap, and a doctor may mistake Sjögrens syndrome for MS.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition that leads to a wide range of symptoms. Some people with MS may notice that their eyes or mouth feel unusually dry. A new study suggests that in some cases, these symptoms may actually be a sign of another autoimmune disorder Sjögrens syndrome.
Those with MS who experience dry eyes or a dry mouth may want to ask their doctors about Sjögrens syndrome.
What Are The Most Common Causes Of Dry Mouth And Dizziness
The most common causes of dry mouth and dizziness are dehydration, anxiety, treatments for certain types of cancer, side effects brought on by various medications, and low blood pressure. Signs of dry mouth include a sore tongue, trouble swallowing, trouble tasting, decreased saliva, and possibly pain when consuming salt and acid based foods. Dizziness can have a range of signs that are different for most individuals, but generally involve feeling disoriented, lightheaded, and weak. Persistent dry mouth and dizziness should immediately be reported to a medical professional for diagnosis.
Dehydration usually occurs when the bodys water intake is drastically lower than the amount of water the body releases. There are many causes for dehydration, including diabetes, sweat from heat or physical exertion, vomiting, diarrhea, and no readily available water. The lack of water in the body produces a number of symptoms. Water is a vital element, making up over 70% of the bodys weight, that allows the human body to function properly. The loss of water can directly cause disorientation, bodily weakness, and a lack of saliva.
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How Does Dry Mouth Causes Fatigue
Saliva plays an important role in our daily lives. Saliva helps us swallow, talk, taste and protect our mouth and teeth. When there is a decrease in the amount of saliva in our mouth it can lead to dry mouth fatigue or also known as xerostomia.
Dry mouth can cause or increase risk of:
- tooth decay,
- burning sensation of the tongue,
- sore mouth or cracks at the corners of the mouth,
- infections in the mouth
- difficulty in speaking and swallowing
- For people without teeth, denture retention, comfort and ability to chew and speak may become difficult when less saliva is present.
Sometimes you may complain of dry mouth but in fact, you have abundant of saliva. Having dry mouth at night, dry mouth in the morning or dry mouth while sleeping may occur as the saliva flow is naturally reduced at night or it can also be due to sleeping with your mouth open or breathing through your mouth. True or chronic dry mouth causes infection to the salivary glands, dry mouth and throat as well as tooth decay.
What Are The Complications Of Sjgrens Syndrome
Most people who have Sjögrens syndrome live their lives without any significant problems. However, a dry mouth means that you are more likely to have dental problems, such as tooth decay and infection. Dry eyes can also place you at risk for eye infections.
If you have secondary Sjögrens syndrome, you may also have problems like joint paint caused by rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Rarely, people with Sjögrens syndrome develop these complications:
- Abnormal liver or kidney function.
- Lymphomas .
- Lung problems that may be mistaken for pneumonia.
- Neurological problems that cause weakness or numbness.
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What Causes Sjgrens Syndrome
Sjögrens syndrome is an autoimmune disease, which means something triggers your immune system to attack healthy cells. This attack damages the tear system in your eyes and the salivary glands in your mouth.
Exactly what causes this abnormal immune system response is not clear. These factors may play a role:
- Environmental factors.
- Sex hormones .
- Viral infections.
When To See A Doctor
Dry mouth and eyes arent usually a serious problem on their own, but if they appear with other symptoms or continue despite symptom management, it might be time to see a doctor. They could be the result of isolated problems with your eyes or mouth, or the result of a more serious chronic condition.
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Treatment For Dry Mouth And Eyes
Treatment for dry mouth and dry eyes can be relieved with hydration, by drinking fluids or using eye drops. However, this really only helps when dry eyes and mouth are isolated problems. If they are symptoms of a bigger issue like Sjögrens syndrome treating the underlying condition is key, but symptom relief can still help.
Research And New Developments
Were funding several studies to improve understanding of Sjögrens syndrome and develop new and more effective treatments for the condition.
In people with this condition, immune cells form structures called tertiary lymphoid organs . Were currently funding a study to understand why TLOs are present, and whether removing them could improve the condition.
We are also supporting research to uncover what causes lymphoma to develop in a small number of people living with the condition. This research may allow doctors to predict who will develop lymphoma, which means people can be treated early.
Were also funding the SALRISE study, to establish whether electrostimulation of the salivary glands using a small electronic device can be used to treat a dry mouth.
This research will improve understanding and could allow new treatments to be developed.
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