Treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome is palliative, which means it aims to relieve the symptoms, but not to cure the disease. Once you’ve been diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, you and your doctors will come up with a plan that meets your needs; the treatment of Sjögren’s syndrome will largely depend on the extent and severity of symptoms. Numerous symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome can be managed with over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. Others may require prescription medications and minor surgery. Find more info here: https://philaholisticclinic.com/treatment-for-sjogrens-syndrome/

1. Holistic Treatment for Sjogren’s
Syndrome
Contents hide
1 Treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome
1.1 Medications for Sjogren’s syndrome treatment
1.2 Surgical treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome
1.3 What is Sicca syndrome?
1.3.1 Causes of Sicca syndrome
1.3.2 Risk factors that increase the risk of getting Sjogren’s syndrome
1.3.3 Sjogren’s syndrome symptoms
1.3.4 Complications of Sicca syndrome
1.3.5 How to diagnose Sjogren’s syndrome
1.4 A natural approach to the treatment for Sjögren’s syndrome
Treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome
Treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome is palliative, which means it aims
to relieve the symptoms, but not to cure the disease. Once you’ve been
diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, you and your doctors will come up
with a plan that meets your needs; the treatment of Sjögren’s syndrome
will largely depend on the extent and severity of symptoms. Numerous
symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome can be managed with over-the-counter
pharmaceutical products. Others may require prescription medications
and minor surgery.
Some people will only experience dry eyes and mouth, while others will
experience systemic symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, memory
lapses, fatigue, and joint pain. The disease can also affect blood vessels
and internal organs such as the lungs and kidneys in a small number of
patients.

2. Treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome depends on the parts of the body
affected. Many people manage the dry eye and dry mouth of Sjögren’s
syndrome by using over-the-counter eye drops and drinking water more
frequently. But some people need prescription drugs or even surgery.
There is currently no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome. Researchers continue
to explore ways to lessen complications through studies that include
finding better methods to assess disease activity and severity and testing
new drugs.
Lots of people can get decent relief for dry eyes with the use of artificial
tears throughout the day and a gel at night. Some patients may have
inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis) and benefit from using warm
compresses and eyelid cleansers and gentle eyelid massage to relieve
blocked sebaceous glands in the eyelids. Others may require prescription
eye drops.
Some patients find it helpful to wear sunglasses or goggles or to add
shields to the sides of their eyeglasses. These options help reduce tear
evaporation, protecting your eyes from wind, air, and airborne particles.

3. As with dry eye treatment, there are over-the-counter options for dry
mouth symptoms. They include:
 Suck on sugar-free candies and chew sugar-free gum. If you don’t
find this effective, prescription medications are available that can
help increase your saliva production.
 Drinking water throughout the day is the easiest way to relieve
dry mouth. An artificial saliva product, like a spray or lozenge, can
also help.
 People with Sjogren’s syndrome may experience dryness in other
areas, including the lips, nose, skin, and vagina.
 Vaseline and lip balms can help with dry lips.
Congested nasal passages and a dry nose increase the need to breathe
through the mouth, which can make a dry mouth worse. Saline nasal
sprays can be helpful. Do not ignore other possible causes of congestion,
such as allergies and sinus infections.
Dry skin usually improves with regular use of skin lotion throughout the
day, especially after a bath or shower.
Some women suffer from vaginal dryness, especially after menopause.
Using products for vaginal dryness, such as vaginal moisturizers,
estrogen cream, vitamin E oil, hyaluronic acid suppositories, and vaginal
lubricants can be beneficial. Applying appropriate artificial lubricant to
both partners can also help prevent painful intercourse.
Medications for Sjogren’s syndrome treatment
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may suggest medications
that:
 Reduce eye inflammation. Prescription eye drops such as
cyclosporine (Restasis) or lipitegrast (Xiidra) may be

4. recommended by your eye doctor if you have moderate to severe
dry eyes.
 Increase saliva production. Pharmaceutical medications such as
pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac) may stimulate the
creation of saliva and sometimes tears. Side effects may include
sweating, abdominal pain, hot flashes, and frequent urination.
 Elimination of specific complications. If you have symptoms of
arthritis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other
arthritis medications may help. Fungal infections in the mouth
should be handled with the use of regular antimycotic drugs.
 Treatment of systemic symptoms. Hydroxychloroquine
(Plaquenil), a drug used to treat malaria, often helps with
Sjögren’s syndrome. Drugs that suppress the immune system,
such as methotrexate (Trexall), may also be prescribed.
Surgical treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome
A minor procedure to seal the tear ducts that drain tears from the eyes
(pinhole occlusion) could help relieve dry eyes. For this purpose,
collagen or silicone caps are implanted into the canals and vessels to
help preserve tears.
What is Sicca syndrome?

5. Sjogren’s syndrome also known as Sicca syndrome is an autoimmune
disease.
This means that your immune system attacks parts of your own body by
mistake. In Sjogren’s syndrome, the immune system attacks exocrine
glands, the glands that produce tears and saliva. This causes dry mouth
and dry eyes. Sometimes other Bartholin’s glands are also affected.
Derived from the Latin word sicca, meaning “dry,” it is a condition that
directly affects your immune system. It can potentially affect the quality
of your daily life, and your treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.
Sicca syndrome can affect any organ in the body that produces moisture,
including the throat, nasal passages, skin, sinuses, and vagina. It is
further marked by the overproduction of antibodies that actively destroy
their own tissues.

6. Sjogren’s syndrome is a relatively common condition that primarily
affects the eyes and salivary glands, but can also affect different parts of
the body.
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease, meaning it occurs as a
result of a malfunction in the immune system.
Your immune system is designed to recognize and attack foreign objects
(like bacteria and viruses) to keep you healthy. However, in Sjogren’s
syndrome, your immune system attacks the glands that produce tears and
saliva. This prevents the glands from working properly and causes
dryness in the mouth, eyes, or other tissues.
The condition can progress slowly, so it can take years for the typical
symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth to appear. However, it can also
start quickly. Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe, and
progression is often unpredictable.
Women are most often affected by Sjögren’s syndrome. There is no
cure, but it can be managed effectively. In rare cases, organs such as the
liver and kidneys may be involved, which can increase the severity of
the disease. In a small number of people, Sjogren’s syndrome may be
associated with lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes).
Causes of Sicca syndrome
It is not known what are the causes of Sjogren’s syndrome. It seems
your genes may play a role in conjunction with an external trigger such
as a bacteria or virus. It is also more likely to affect people suffering
from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and lupus.
Scientists aren’t sure why some people develop Sjogren’s syndrome.
Certain genes put people at higher risk for the condition, but it appears
that a triggering mechanism – such as infection with a particular virus or
strain of bacteria – is also necessary.

7. With Sjogren’s syndrome, your immune system first targets the glands
that produce tears and saliva. But Sjogren’s syndrome can also harm
other systems of your organism, such as:
 joints
 thyroid gland
 kidneys and bladder
 liver and gallbladder
 lungs
 dermis
 neural tissues.
Risk factors that increase the risk of getting Sjogren’s syndrome
Sjogren’s syndrome commonly appears in individuals with one or more
recognized risk factors, including:
Age. Sjogren’s syndrome is usually diagnosed in people over the age of
40.
Gender. Females are significantly more expected to develop Sjogren’s
syndrome.
Rheumatic disease. It’s common for people with Sjogren’s syndrome to
also have a rheumatic condition — such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Sjogren’s syndrome symptoms
The two main Sjogren’s syndrome symptoms are:
 Dry eyes. Your eyes may burn, itch, or be soiled – as if there is
sand in them.
 Dry mouth. Your mouth may feel full of cotton wool, making it
difficult to swallow or speak.

9. Some patients with Sjogren’s syndrome also suffer from one or more of
the following Sjogren’s syndrome symptoms:
 Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
 Enlarged salivary secretors – specifically those at the back of the
jaw and in front of the ears
 Skin rashes or dry skin
 Vaginal dryness
 A persistent dry cough
 Long-term fatigue
Complications of Sicca syndrome
The most common complications of Sjogren’s syndrome affect your
eyes and mouth.
 Tooth cavities. Because saliva helps protect teeth from the
bacteria that cause tooth decay, you are more prone to
developing tooth decay when your mouth is dry.
 Yeast infections. Individuals that suffer from Sjogren’s syndrome
are considered likely to develop oral thrush, a yeast infection in
the mouth.
 Vision problems. Dry eyes can lead to sensitivity to light, blurred
vision, and corneal damage.

10. Less common complications of Sjogren’s syndrome may involve:
 lungs, kidneys, or liver. Inflammation can cause pneumonia,
bronchitis, or other lung problems; lead to problems with kidney
function and cause hepatitis or liver cirrhosis.
 lymph nodes. A small percentage of people with Sjogren’s
syndrome will develop cancer of the lymph nodes (lymphoma).
 You could develop numbness, tingling, and burning in your hands
and feet (peripheral neuropathy).

11. How to diagnose Sjogren’s syndrome
Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent future
complications. It can be difficult to diagnose Sjogren’s syndrome as
symptoms can mimic those of other conditions such as lupus and
fibromyalgia. For instance, dry mouth and dry eyes can also be the side
effects of some pharmaceutical drugs taken for other medical problems,
such as depression and high blood pressure.
Diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome is often done by a rheumatologist (a
specialist who treats conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and
bones) and involves a series of tests, which can include:
Schirmer’s test: A special blotting paper held over the eye is used to
assess the degree of tear production
 eye examination – including the use of special dyes
 biopsy – a histological test during which a tiny piece of salivary
secretor is surgically removed and examined by a pathologist for
the existence of atypical abnormal cells and tissues.
 blood tests: These can be used to check the levels of particular
immune system cells in the blood and to check for kidney or liver
problems.
A natural approach to the treatment for Sjögren’s syndrome
Natural remedies for Sjogren’s syndrome treatment include
phytotherapy (aka medical herbal medicine), which is a research-backed
medical practice but takes a more traditional approach using medicinal
herbs. Because Sjogren causes dry eyes and mouth, some common foods
and herbs, such as ginger, apples, chamomile, and cucumber, contain
elements that help produce the fluids your body needs.
Most natural remedies for Sjogren’s syndrome treatment rely on
supporting the body’s ability to lubricate itself, especially in the eyes
and mouth.

12. In addition, natural remedies for Sjogren’s syndrome treatment will
help modulate, or “calm down”, your overactive autoimmune system so
that the disease process can go into remission.
If we find the cause, I will also make sure that the cause of your Sjogren
is resolved.
One study, published by Hu, Qian, Guo, Zhang, et al., Presents a large-
scale six-week double-blind study of patients with Sjogren’s syndrome
treatment with natural medications that showed significant
improvements in dry mouth and eyes.
Self-management as a form of treatment for Sjögren’s syndrome
There are many things you can do to manage Sjögren’s syndrome,
including:
 Avoid dry and dusty environments.
 Avoid drafts and windy conditions.
 Wear safety goggles when you are outdoors in the wind and sun.
 Sip water regularly or suck on ice cubes.
 Avoid strong soaps, which can dry out the skin.
 Try increasing the humidity in your home.
 Exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, quit smoking, and reduce
stress to improve your overall health and well-being.
 Eat soft, moist foods if you have difficulty swallowing.
 Eat more often and in small portions to stimulate salivation.
 When showering or bathing, use warm (not hot) water.
 Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate salivation.
 Avoid salty, sour, or spicy foods and carbonated drinks, which can
be painful if you have a dry mouth.
 Practice good oral hygiene and visit your dentist more often.
Acupuncture for Sjogren’s syndrome treatment

13. Acupuncture has been used in China since at least 400 BC. This is used
to treat a wide variety of medical conditions and is offered in Chinese
hospitals alongside “orthodox” medicine. Corresponding to acupuncture
philosophy, there is a web of meridians running through the body,
carrying ‘qi’ energy, which may be vaguely translated as “life force”.
Modern research using PET scanners showed that the qi system is
actually a network of subatomic particles (protons of hydrogen to be
precise). using a brain scanner, we can see that when the needles are
inserted into the key acupuncture points, some specific sections of the
brain become involved.
For example, when a needle is inserted into a point on the little toe
which is used to treat eye problems, the visual cortex (the part of the
brain associated with vision) becomes active. when a needle is placed
into an acupoint on the hand used to deal with pain, several pain control
centers in the brain turn out to be in force.

14. Using the latest research methods, a team from the USA The Navy is
looking into how acupuncture can be used to solve the problem of dry
mouth or “xerostomia”. The team found that piercing a combination of
three acupuncture points on each ear, plus one on each arm, resulted in
dry mouth in 80% of patients to report a marked increase in salivation.
In many patients, Lack of salivation was caused by radiation injury
salivary gland after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. In some
patients, dry mouth was caused by Sjögren’s syndrome.
Some people claimed that the cure was “all in the mind”, and there was
no actual increase in salivation. A Scandinavian group of researchers
decided to test whether the treatment actually increased the production
of saliva. They put cotton balls in the patients’ mouths and weighed
them before and after acupuncture.
They found that after the treatment, the cotton balls weighed more than
the untreated control group, suggesting that acupuncture increased
salivation, which made the cotton balls heavier.
So how does acupuncture increase salivation? Acupuncture is thought to
help the brain move from a “fight or flight” state (sympathetic
dominance) to a “relaxed” state (parasympathetic state).
dominance). When we are in “relax” mode, the production of saliva
tends to increase. Following the US research, three hospitals in South
West England decided to try acupuncture treatment on cancer patients
who had lost salivary function due to radiotherapy. Last year I visited
hospitals to see the treatments carried out and discussed the results with
staff and patients.
Acupuncture treatments for Sjogren’s syndrome are given to
approximately six patients seated in a circle. The needles are inserted
and left in place for about 20 minutes, during which patients can talk to
each other. The results obtained were similar to those in the United
States, with at least four out of five patients reporting increased

15. salivation. Many patients said the treatments allowed them to eat more
types of food, and others said they no longer needed to constantly sip
water.
Acupuncture combined with herbal medicine outperforms an
immunomodulatory drug for the treatment of Sjögren’s syndrome.
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune
system attacks the lacrimal and salivary glands, causing impaired tear
and saliva production. Researchers (Li et al.) compared the therapeutic
effects of acupuncture and herbs with hydroxychloroquine.
A group of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) received acupuncture
and herbal formula Jie Du Tong Luo Sheng Jin Tang (toxin resolution
channel releasing decoction generating liquid). A control group
received treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome in the form of pure drugs
such as hydroxychloroquine (an immunomodulatory and antimalarial
drug) in tablet form. The acupuncture plus herbs group treatment for
Sjogren’s syndrome achieved a total treatment efficacy rate of 83.33%.
The drug group achieved a total effective rate of 60.00% (p<0.05).
Overall, traditional Chinese medicine appears to be a solid approach to
managing Sjögren’s syndrome. And the evidence confirms the impact of
these treatments. Although more research is needed to analyze the full
extent of these ancient Chinese practices, it is definitely worth a try.
Homeopathic treatment for Sicca syndrome
Homeopathic medicine is one of the most prevalent holistic practices of
treatment. The selection of homeopathic remedies for Sjögren’s
syndrome is based on the theory of individualization and similarity of
symptoms using a holistic approach. This is the only way to restore a
state of complete health by eliminating all signs and symptoms from
which the patient suffers. The goal of homeopathy is not only the
treatment of Sjögren’s syndrome but also the elimination of its
underlying cause and individual susceptibility. With regard to medical

16. treatment, several remedies are available for the treatment of Sjögren’s
syndrome, which can be selected based on the cause, sensations, and
modality of the complaints. For an individual selection of the drug and
treatment, the patient should personally consult with a qualified
homeopathic doctor.
Sjogren’s Syndrome can be safely and effectively treated with
homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic medicines treat Sjogren’s
syndrome by moderating the overactive immune system. The
homeopathic medicines for Sjogren’s syndrome are selected taking into
account the affected part and the characteristic symptoms in each
individual case. The primary symptoms that appear in most cases of
Sjogren’s syndrome, including dry eyes and dry mouth, can be treated
well with homeopathic remedies. Apart from that, the symptoms present
in some cases such as joint pain, fatigue, dry itchy skin, dry cough, and
vaginal dryness are also treated equally well. A homeopathic
prescription requires a full assessment of the case, therefore these

17. medicines should be used under the supervision of a homeopathic
practitioner.
Some homeopathic medicines that have shown positive results or cover
the symptom picture well in Sjogren’s syndrome are Nux Moschata,
Tuberculinum, Silica, Brassica Nappus, Dulcamara, Antimonium
Crudum, Cuprum, Folic Acid, Pulsatilla, Belladonna, Bryonia,
Arsenicum, and Rhus.
Belladonna: Useful for managing dry eyes in Sjogren’s syndrome. In
addition to dryness, there is redness of the eyes with itching. There is a
burning, stinging and stinging sensation in the eyes. Belladonna is
usually prescribed when there’s a feeling of sand in your eyes
Rhus Toxicodendron: Useful for joint pain in Sjögren’s syndrome.
Pain, swelling, redness, heat in the joints with marked stiffness. Useful
for crunches when stretching joints which can be improved by warm
application. Recommended when joint pain is worse at rest and better
with movement.
Arsenicum Album: Useful for Sjögren’s Syndrome where the person
experiences extreme fatigue. There is weariness and weakness that
prevails all the time and there is intense fatigue that makes you want to
lie down constantly. Given when the slightest exertion may cause fatigue
and there may be anxiety or restlessness.
Bryonia: Useful for cough in cases of Sjogren’s syndrome. There is a
dry and spasmodic cough. Also, there is a tickling sensation in the throat
that may be present along with a cough that can get worse after eating or
drinking. Vomiting can also occur along with the cough. There is a pain
in the head and chest that appears with a cough. There is dry mouth and
lip chapping may be present. Also useful for joint pains that worsen with
movement and improve with rest.

18. Nux Moschata: The main symptoms that point to this homeopathic
remedy are cold extremities, extreme dryness of the mucous membranes,
and skin. A strange sensation, with irresistible sleepiness. Indicanuria.
General tendency to lose consciousness during acute attacks.
Hypersensitive to smell; nosebleed, dark blood; dry, capped. The tongue
adheres to the palate but has no desire for water. Saliva is like cotton.
Toothache in pregnancy. Tongue numb, paralyzed. Dry throat. Paralytic
weakness of intestines. Hugely dilated. The stool is soft and yet is
unable to expel it, even with prolonged effort. Weakness during or after
stool. Protruding piles.
Alumina: The very general condition associated with this drug is
dryness of the mucous membranes and skin, and a tendency to muscle
paresis. Sluggish functioning, heaviness, numbness and dizziness, and
the characteristic constipation of alumina find the perfect remedy. A
tendency to colds in the head and eruptions in lean, dry, lean individuals.
The eyes are cold. The eyelids dry up, burn, wisely, thicken, deteriorate
in the morning; chronic conjunctivitis. Dry, sore; food cannot pass, the
esophagus has shrunk. It feels like a splinter or plug in the throat.
Irritable and slack throat. It looks parched and glazed. Sore throat in thin
people. Thick, stubborn mucus drops from the posterior nostrils.
Constant tendency to clear the throat. Chapped and dry skin. Brittle
nails. Unbearable itching while warming up in bed. He has to scratch
until he bleeds; then it becomes painful. The fragility of the skin on the
fingers.
Natrum Muriaticum: Great weakness; most weaknesses were felt in
the morning in bed. coldness. The wasting is most noticeable in the
neck. Great responsibility to take cold. Dry mucous membranes.
Constrictive sensation in the whole body. Great weakness and tiredness.
Super sensitive to all kinds of influences. Cough from tickling in the pit
of the stomach, accompanied by stitches in the liver and jets of
urine. Stitches across the chest. Cough, with explosive pain in the head.
Shortness of breath, especially when climbing stairs (Calc). Whooping
cough with a stream of tears with cough.

19. Treatment for Sicca syndrome in Philadelphia
If you read this article, you are visiting the website of the Philadelphia
Holistic Clinic – the #1 naturopathic center in the City of Brotherly
Love.
Our professional team, led by the medical doctor Victor Tsan provides
the treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome using all available holistic
techniques, including but not limited
to Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Chinese medicinal herbology, Homeopathy,
and Energy healing such as Reiki.
For an appointment, contact the clinic or use our online scheduling
application by scanning the QR code below.