Some symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome can be easily improved even with some minor layout changes:
Wearing dark-colored quality sunglasses with closed sides can increase the humidity in the eyes. .
Keeping the eyelid and surrounding tissues clean can increase the secretion of oil glands in the eyelid.
Avoiding contact lenses can reduce burning and stinging in dry eyes.
If you are uncomfortable with bright light, wearing color glasses may be beneficial.
Increasing the humidity in the home can relieve eye complaints and dry cough. Nebulizer-type humidifiers, large broad-leaved plants and a water-filled container in the room can be used to humidify the air.
If you have dry and itchy skin, it is recommended to avoid using strong soaps, water-based creams can help.
If you have sun-sensitive, itchy and red skin, it may be necessary to use a sunscreen with a factor of at least 15.
If you have Raynaud’s Phenomenon, using warm gloves may help. Exercise improves blood flow. Not smoking will also be good for Raynaud’s Phenomenon because Raynaud’s Phenomenon is related to circulatory disorder.
Good oral hygiene is essential if there are any oral symptoms.
Exercise
Particularly recommended for maintaining mobility. It is especially important in patients with joint complaints. But if you also suffer from extreme fatigue, you need to find the right balance between rest and exercise. Getting advice and support from a physiotherapist is recommended in terms of appropriate exercises and increasing and maintaining your activity correctly.
Diet and Nutrition
No special diet is recommended. However, if you have bowel symptoms or abdominal pain, increasing the amount of fiber and fiber in your diet may help. It is absolutely necessary to cut out sugary foods and drinks. Alcohol, tea, coffee and other caffeinated beverages are factors that can cause thirst. Drinking water frequently or sucking ice cubes in your mouth can reduce the discomfort caused by dry mouth.
Sexual Life and Pregnancy
Another rare symptom that can be seen in Sjogren’s Syndrome is vaginal dryness and can make sexual intercourse painful. Estrogen creams or vaginal lubricant preparations may help. If an infection develops, it is necessary to consult a specialist. An increase in problems is not generally expected during or after pregnancy. However, in the 2% of patients with positive anti-Ro and/or anti-La antibodies, these antibodies may pass to the baby during pregnancy and cause symptoms in the baby after birth. These symptoms include rashes and deterioration in blood tests, but they regress within a few weeks to a few months. In some cases, these antibodies can affect the baby’s heart and cause it to beat slowly. However, 98% of mothers with positive anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies will not have any problems during pregnancy.
