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Sjogren's Syndrome (SS)Questions asked to Dr G. Dhont, otorhinolaryngologist, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge, in reference to his lecture for the CIB-league department West-Vlaanderen: "Disorders of the upper respiratory tract and Sjogrens Syndrome". |
| What to do in case of long-lasting swelling of the salivary glands in Sjogrens?? |
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| Long-lasting swelling can occur with chronical infections such as tuberculosis, renal diseases and hepatitis. Returning problems are also found in primary and secondary SS. Swollen parotid glands or salivary glands can be very painful. If a patient with a dry mouth visits a doctor, he should not be discouraged if the doctor does not see any clear signs of this. Occasionally, however, there is a visible dry spot at the back of the throat. The sicca syndrome or a dry mouth is not automatically called SS. Treatments: use of fluoride and a good oral hygiene, saliva substitutes, chewing gum and sugar-free candies. Chewing on carrots or a slice of lemon is also recommendable because it stimulates the salivary glands.
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| I am a Sjogrens patient and have a dry nose. Sometimes I can have a running nose without having a cold. How is this possible? |
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SS is characterised by dry eyes and a dry mouth. A dry nose does not necessarily refer to SS. It can have many other causes and can occur for example as the result of using nose drops too often. Too dry mucous membranes can cause e.g. headaches, nosebleeds, formation of scabs and a stuffed-up nose. To lubricate the nose you can use ointment and nose rinses with physiological (salt) water. A running nose without having a cold may occur spontaneously by a sudden strong activation of the nasal membrane, but it can also be an allergic reaction that has nothing to do with Sjogrens Syndrome. Eating a bowl of hot soup or drinking something alcoholic may also cause nose running. |
| What causes the burning sensation on the tongue? Can food play a part here? |
| The exact cause is not yet clear, but it is possible that the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva. Women, especially between 50-60, are more likely to be affected than men by this characteristical symptom of Sjogrens Syndrome that is often seen at the tongue basis. Spicy food should be avoided.
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| The Eustachian tube connects the nasopharynx with the middle ear. Is there any danger that the mucous membrane of this tube dries out, as well as the mucous membrane of the ear so that a patient with Sjogrens may become deaf? |
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The dehydration of the mucous membranes may also involve the mucous membrane of the ear; in this case sound is poorly picked up and this impairs the hearing. Glands that function poorly will not lead to deafness contrary to a lymphoma (a cancerous tumour).
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| Can swallowing difficulties, a dry throat, and a sensation as of a ball in ones throat be ascribed to scleroderma? |
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Swallowing difficulties often occur in patients with scleroderma. An adapted treatment of scleroderma should bring relief for a dry throat. The sensation of having a ball in ones throat, called globus, points in fact to promontories in the oesophagus which are very difficult to treat. |
| Do lupus patients have more sinusitis problems due to the taking of corticoids? |
| No, but opportunistic infections (germs that make use of the opportunity) occur. The taking of corticoid-preparates will make the patient more sensitive to infections in periods of weakening or reduced immunity, e.g. after a flu.
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| Is there a solution for neuralgia? |
Pressure and inflammations may cause neuralgia (sharp pain along a nerve), which have nothing to do with systemic diseases. Sometimes the causes are unknown. In autoimmune diseases frontal neuralgia occur often, which can be treated with aspirin. Keeping warm is beneficial to activate the blood circulation to provide the nerves with more oxygen. If all this does not bring relief, other therapies like infiltrations or treatment in a pain clinic might be useful. The nerves are hard to distinguish in nose operations and there is always the danger to touch and damage them.
 Lecture by Dr. D'Hont: Disorders of the upper respiratory tract and Sjogrens Syndrome. Back to Articles
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