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(21-30) |
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Is it a disease if both the
eyes and mouth are dry? |
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There is the possibility of
side effects from medication or Sjogren's syndrome, an
autoimmune disease. Dry conditions due to aging is also a possibility. If it
is
Sjogren's syndrome then it is a disease, however it may just be due to a combination
of various symptoms, therefore medical examination is necessary. |
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I can't eat bread or biscuits.
Do I have dry mouth? |
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If the mouth becomes dry when
eating bread and it is difficult to swallow, it could
be due to a decrease in saliva and so dry mouth might
be a possibility. |
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There is something wrong in
my sense of taste. Do I have dry mouth? |
|
The sense of taste can be
affected if the mouth is dry, however it may also be
for a different reason therefore it would be best to
consult a specialist. |
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Is there
a connection between the digestive system's condition
and dry mouth? |
|
When there is a decrease in
saliva, the mouth dries causing food not to be digested
well and this can cause gastrointestinal problems. Also in the case of the
autoimmune disease Sjogren's syndrome, dry mouth and gastrointestinal problems
can occur. |
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Is there a relation between
constipation and dry mouth? |
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There is no direct relation
between dry mouth and constipation but visiting a specialist
is recommended. |
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What
is Sjogren's syndrome? |
|
The main symptoms of patients
are dry mouth and dry eye from connective tissue
disease (autoimmune disease). The patient's own immune cells attack the salivary
gland and the lacrimal gland (tear producing gland) so that there is less saliva
and
tears causing dry eye and dry mouth. This disease very rarely leads to death,
however without treatment the dryness of the eyes and mouth will not improve. |
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Can an autoimmune disease
be cured? |
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Most autoimmune diseases are
said to be difficult to cure. However through
treatment, symptoms can be relieved therefore it is best to see a specialist. |
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Is there a relation between
menopause and dry mouth? |
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In menopause the production
of female hormones decrease. When estrogen
decreases, vaginal dryness and various other bodily changes occur. Sjogren's
syndrome occurs often in menopausal women therefore a medical examination is
recommended. |
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Is there a relation between
drinking alcohol and dry mouth? |
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When drinking alcohol, although
you may think your fluid intake has increased, due
to alcohol's diuretic effect (increase in urine) fluid is lost, causing the mouth
to dry. |
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Is there a relation between
aging and dry mouth? |
|
Usually upon reaching a certain
age, various functions begin to deteriorate. The
salivary gland is the same and so it also deteriorates with age causing dry mouth
to occur. |
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