6 Tips for Managing Sjogren’s Syndrome Flares
If you have a chronic condition, you likely experience occasional or recurring pain that may impact your ability to complete daily tasks. Chronic pain is a common symptom of chronic illnesses ranging from mild to severe pain. People with chronic conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome may experience unexpected flares.
Here’s a look at Sjogren’s syndrome flares and what you can do to reduce and manage the pain.
What are flares?
A common symptom many people living with a chronic illness experience are flares. Flares, or breakthrough pain or flare-ups, occur when chronic illness symptoms worsen, causing pain and discomfort. Flare symptoms include joint pain, muscle aches, sleeping difficulties, headaches, tiredness, and mood changes.
The severity of flares varies with each individual and the type of chronic illness they have, but they can impact the quality of life regardless. Flares last for a short period, and the pain level and location usually match the chronic pain that a person experiences from their chronic illness.
What is Sjogren’s syndrome?
Sjogren’s syndrome is one of many chronic conditions that can cause flares. Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic condition that impacts a person’s moisture-producing glands. When moisture is reduced in the body, it can lead to dry eyes and mouth.
However, there are secondary symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome that can lead to pain and discomfort, such as:
Muscle and joint pain
Dry skin
Skin rashes
Brain fog
Numbness
Tingling sensations in the hands and feet
Swollen lymph nodes
Heartburn
Kidney problems
Six ways to manage Sjogren’s syndrome flares
Sjogren’s syndrome flares can be triggered by various factors such as stress, infection, hormonal changes, and other environmental factors. Unfortunately, flares can be unpredictable and disruptive to daily life.
It can be challenging to predict when a flare occurs, which can be nerve-wracking if you’re dealing with stress, have been exposed to the sun, or recently got an infection.
If you have Sjogren’s syndrome and encounter a flare, here are six tips for preventing or managing them.
Stay hydrated
The primary symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome are dryness in the mouth and eyes. It’s crucial that you stay hydrated as much as possible to reduce the chances of flares. Increase your intake of fluids, especially water, by drinking it throughout the day.
Practice good oral hygiene
A dry mouth can lead to dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. To encourage good oral health and reduce chances of flares and other complications, brush and floss teeth daily, schedule dental appointments at least twice a year, and use fluoride treatments and mouthwashes.
Use artificial tears
Dry eyes can be managed by using artificial tears and eye lubricants. By using treatments to ease dry eyes, you can limit the occurrence of Sjogren’s syndrome flares.
Practice stress management techniques
Although stress can sometimes be inevitable, limiting or avoiding things that cause stress can reduce flares. Try stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga to prevent flares and limit stress.
Avoid triggers
Knowing what can trigger your flares can help you avoid or limit your exposure.
A few examples of common Sjogren’s syndrome flares are:
Certain medications
Diet
Pollution
Allergy-causing agents
UV radiation
Infections
Pregnancy
Menopause
Get enough rest
Ensure you get enough rest each night to help manage or prevent Sjogren’s syndrome flares. Good sleep hygiene can relieve fatigue and reduce the occurrence of flares.
Sjogren’s syndrome flares may be unpredictable, but there are ways to prevent, prepare, and manage them. By adopting healthy habits like artificial tears, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest, you can regain control of your flares and pace yourself. If you haven’t already, work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses individual symptoms and needs.
How Chronius Can Help
If living with chronic illness feels like a full time job, you aren’t alone.
That’s why at Chronius, we make it easy to navigate the healthcare system as a patient. Our online care management platform brings together all of your health records and offers a 1-click appointment prep tool that easily synthesizes your health story for your care team. You also can track all of your symptoms, identify trends, learn from vetted medical information, and follow a custom patient journey map. Plus, if you needs hands on support, our Care Advocates are available to help you with any issues you may hit up against. Personalized support as you navigate your care journey is what we are all about.
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