How to treat dry syndrome

  Dry syndrome is a diffuse hoof tissue disease characterized by invasion of exocrine glands such as lacrimal and salivary glands, with lymphocytic infiltration and specific autoantibodies. Its treatment is not yet curative, but mainly alternative and symptomatic. The aim of treatment is to prevent local damage due to long-term oral and ocular dryness, to closely follow up and observe changes in the disease, and to prevent and control systemic damage in this disease. The main treatment modalities are divided into the following: i. Drugs to improve dry mouth and eyes It is extremely difficult to alleviate dry mouth. You should stop smoking, drinking alcohol and avoid taking drugs that cause dry mouth, keep your mouth clean and reduce the possibility of dental caries and oral secondary infection. Various artificial substitutes such as artificial tear glands and saliva can reduce local symptoms, and M3 agonist (pilocarpine) has become a new generation of drugs to improve dry mouth and eyes.  Systemic treatment For patients with extra-glandular manifestations such as arthritis, interstitial lung changes, liver, kidney and neurological changes, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants should be given as active treatment. The specific dosage depends on different situations.  Third, other symptomatic treatment Correcting acute hypokalemia is based on intravenous potassium supplementation, and after stabilization, change to oral potassium salt tablets, some patients need to take them for life to prevent the reoccurrence of hypokalemia. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory has certain effect on muscle and joint pain. The presence of malignant lymphoma is appropriate to actively carry out combined chemotherapy for lymphoma.  Fourth, biological agents Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody can inhibit B-cell production and may be an effective drug for disease treatment.  In general, the prognosis of dry syndrome is good for those whose lesions are limited to salivary glands, lacrimal glands and skin mucosal exocrine glands. Most of those with internal organ damage can be controlled after proper treatment. If the treatment is not timely, the condition may deteriorate or even endanger life. The prognosis is poor for those with pulmonary fibrosis, central neuropathy, renal insufficiency, and malignant lymphoma. Therefore, patients are advised to cooperate with doctors for active treatment to avoid delaying the disease.