Treatment for Dry Eyes, Dry Mouth | Incheon Sjögren's Syndrome

Hello, this is Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.

All the glands in my body are drying up.

My body is becoming a vast desert.

My eyes feel gritty as if sand has gotten into them, my mouth is parched and burning, and even if I drink water, my thirst rarely subsides.

“I can't swallow dry snacks or bread without water. I wake up even while sleeping because my mouth is dry, and my eyes are so gritty that it's hard to even open them in the morning.”

Sjögren's syndrome is not merely a problem of dry eyes and mouth. It is a systemic autoimmune disease where all the 'glands' responsible for hydration in our body gradually lose their function, leading to the slow drying out of daily life and the entire body.

Our Body's Immune System Attacking the Glands

Our bodies have numerous 'glands' that keep us moist, such as tear glands that produce tears and salivary glands that produce saliva. Sjögren's syndrome is a disease where the immune system, which is supposed to protect our body, makes a fatal error, mistakenly identifying these normal 'glands' as foreign enemies and attacking and destroying them.

As the glands are attacked and destroyed, it is a natural consequence for tears and saliva to dry up. Insufficient tears lead to dry eyes, and insufficient saliva makes it difficult to swallow food and easily causes tooth decay or stomatitis. This immune system attack does not remain confined to the eyes and mouth, but can spread throughout the body to the skin, joints, lungs, kidneys, and other areas, leading to various systemic symptoms such as fatigue and joint pain.

When the Rivers, the Source of the Earth, Dry Up

In Korean medicine, our body is seen as a 'moist land' that nurtures life. Sjögren's syndrome is diagnosed as this land experiencing an extreme 'drought,' meaning the body's 'Jinyeok (津液),' which comprises fluids and nourishing substances, is depleted.

Since all the rivers and groundwater that moisten the body have dried up, the 'land' of the eyes, mouth, and skin cracks and becomes parched. This extreme dryness creates unnecessary 'Heoyeol (虛熱)' (deficient heat) within the body, triggering a vicious cycle that further depletes the remaining Jinyeok.

Therefore, Korean medicine treatment does not merely involve pouring water from the outside, like artificial tears. It aims to strengthen the fundamental 'source of water (水源)' so that the 'parched land' itself can once again retain water (Jaeumsaengjin 滋陰生津). This is the Korean medicine treatment perspective, which aims to restore the body's overall balance and address the root cause of dryness.

3 Moisturizing Habits for a Dry Body

A comprehensive effort is needed to protect the body's moisture from escaping and to supply external hydration.

Habit 1: Supplemental Hydration (External Hydration)

To prevent dry eyes, frequently instill non-irritating artificial tears. Gently stimulate saliva production with sugar-free gum or sour fruits. Using artificial saliva products is also recommended.

Habit 2: Internal Moisture Preservation (Internal Hydration)

Instead of drinking a large amount of water all at once, it is more effective for absorption to drink lukewarm water in small sips consistently throughout the day. Maintaining indoor humidity at 50-60% using a humidifier greatly helps prevent skin and respiratory dryness.

Habit 3: Avoid Drying Factors (Avoid Drying Agents)

Caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods are major culprits that deplete body fluids. It is wise to avoid dry, dusty environments and direct exposure to air conditioner or heater drafts.

Before Dry Eyes Develop into Systemic Dryness

Sjögren's syndrome should not be lightly dismissed as merely a 'disease of dry eyes and mouth.' It is a 'systemic danger signal' that indicates your body's immune system is attacking you.

Ignoring this signal is a path where the 'drought' extends beyond the eyes and mouth, turning other organs in your body, such as joints, skin, lungs, and kidneys, into a desert. Furthermore, it can increase the risk of serious diseases like lymphoma.

However, recognizing now that this is a problem of your entire body and striving to restore the immune system's balance is, beyond merely resolving dryness, the most important and wise choice to protect your healthy future from unpredictable complications.

#SjogrensSyndrome #DryEyes #DryMouth