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(11-20) |
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Why is an eye exam necessary? |
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Sjogren's syndrome is a disease
in which a person's own immune cells attack
the glands which produce tears and saliva. If the mouth and eyes are dry, then
there is even more possibility of this disease. By also checking the amount of
tears,
it is possible to determine whether or not it is this disease. |
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I'm taking herbal medicine
but it is not working. Is there any good treatment? |
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There are cases where herbal
medicine work and cases where they don't. Herbal
medicine does not work quickly and so you should keep taking it for a prolonged
time or try other medication. It would be best if you discuss this with your
physician. |
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My medication for high blood
pressure makes me thirsty. Do I have dry mouth? |
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If you are not thirsty when
not taking the medication then rather than the disease
xerostomia (dry mouth), it is more likely to be a side effect from the medication
which is causing your mouth to dry. |
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I have diabetes and my mouth
gets dry. Is there any good treatment? |
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In diabetes, persistent high
blood sugar level can cause a decrease in the amount
of saliva thus resulting in a dry mouth. The most important
thing is to control
your
blood sugar level. Consulting a specialist is recommended. |
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I have kidney disease and
my mouth gets dry. Is there any good treatment? |
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There are many disorders involving
the kidneys but a dry mouth could be due to
Sjogren's syndrome. However just having a dry mouth is not a determining factor
and a medical examination would be necessary. Consulting a specialist is
recommended. |
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What is a Schirmer test? |
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In the Schirmer's test, a
small strip of filter paper is inserted into the corner
of the eye, tears are collected and the amount is measured.
This test is done to diagnose dry eye and Sjogren's syndrome,
a disease where the mouth and eyes become dry. |
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What is a Saxon test? |
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This is a procedure where
gauze is placed in the mouth and chewed on for a certain
length of time. The amount of saliva in the gauze is then measured to see if
the
saliva is being secreted normally or not. |
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What is a gum test? |
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This is a procedure where
gum is chewed for a certain length of time. The amount
of saliva produced during that time is measured to see if the saliva is being
secreted normally or not. |
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Why are saliva secretagogues
effective? |
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Saliva secretagogues (saliva
secretion stimulants) directly stimulate the weakened
salivary gland. In this way saliva secretion can be increased
even if salivary
glands have decreased or become weak. |
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Does xerostomia mean that
the nerves are damaged? |
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Except in cerebral infarction
or where there is damage to the brain, xerostomia does
not affect the nervous system. |
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