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Abstract:  As many as 3% of Americans suffer from Sjogren’s syndrome, which affects populations worldwide and in all age groups. In this article, the author discusses the pathogenesis, symptoms and diagnosis of this disorder and treatment of ocular and oral symptoms (tear substitutes, antifungals, saliva substitutes, pilocarpine, anethole trithione, yohimbine and human interferon alpha). She also provides three formulas (Sodium Fluoride Gel [0.5% Fluoride] – 100 mL, Clotrimazole 10-mg Base A Troche – 24 Troches, and Saliva Substitute – 500 mL). She concludes that selection of treatment with the appropriate medications for patients with Sjogren’s syndrome depends on the severity of the symptoms, the clinical response to treatment and patient preference. For most patients, a regimen of oral pilocarpine (5 mg 4 times daily) plus the use of tear and saliva substitutes as needed is a beneficial combination. Less costly alternatives include stimulating saliva by chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy or using tear and saliva substitutes alone. Anethole trithione, yohimbine and natural human interferon alpha should be reserved for patients who cannot tolerate other treatments or who exhibit refractory disease.

Related Keywords: sjogren's, syndrome, autoimmune, saliva, salivary, mucous, lacrimal, secretions, xerophthalmia, xerostomia, dysphagia, tongue, lips, dryness, constipation, tear substitutes, artificial tears, antifungals, saliva substitutes, pilocarpine, anethole trithione, yohimbine, Human Interferon Alfa

Related Categories: DENTAL, EAR NOSE THROAT

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