What is dry mouth?: Sjögren’s syndrome

　　Sjögren's syndrome often occurs in middle age, with women accounting for over 90% of cases. Its main function is… clinical The symptoms include dry mouth eyes Dryness and migratory joint pain, with dry mouth being the most common symptom. What is going on here?

　　Dry mouth is caused by a significant decrease in saliva production. There is visible atrophy of the lingual papillae; the tongue becomes dry and red, and the coating on it disappears and peels off. The entire mouth is severely affected by this condition. Dry eyes are caused by a reduced production of tears; in severe cases, patients may even experience such dryness that they feel like crying but have no tears to do so. A sensation of a foreign body in the eye, conjunctivitis, and recurrent keratitis are common symptoms. In some severe cases, patients experience severe corneal dryness, which can lead to corneal ulcers, scars, perforations, and even blindness. Patients with Sjögren's syndrome often experience migratory, multiple joint pains, stiffness in the joints in the morning, and limited mobility. They also test positive for rheumatoid factor, which makes their condition similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis; however, joint deformities are less common in Sjögren's syndrome.

　　In summary, the fundamental characteristic of Sjögren’s syndrome is that the secretory glands throughout the body can atrophy, resulting in a significant reduction in all types of secretions – including saliva, tears, sweat, digestive juices in the gastrointestinal tract, and nasal secretions. >>> Women often press these areas to nourish their kidneys

　　The treatment for this condition should focus on enhancing the immune function of cells. If combined with traditional Chinese medicine methods that aim to replenish qi and nourish yin, the effects may be even better. For symptomatic treatment, artificial tears should be used, and medications that stimulate saliva production can be used for gargling. Women who experience dry mouth must pay close attention and undergo early examinations; they should not take this symptom lightly.