Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva. It also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it is rheumatoid factor positive in 90 percent of cases.

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Dry Irritated Throat

SamUL
SamUL
Does anyone know of a good product or home remedy that could be used at bedtime to help keep my throat moist? I have plenty of products for keeping my eyes moist during the night, but there doesn't really seem to be anything on the market for your throat. I have tried all the Biotene products (mouthwash, toothpaste, oral balance gel, oral balance liquid spray) and Oasis spray, All of these are geared at keeping the mouth moist but do nothing for my throat. I use a humidifier at night and that offers some slight relief. I suck on sugarless candy during the day, but of course that's not something you can do througout the night. I've also tried using Evoxac but can't tolerate the sweating side effect.
jltraw
jltraw
OK deathwarmed...Thank you for the best laugh I have had recently!

But now for something more serious. I like you took salagen for several years, then...I began forming kidney stones. Hmmm...where do you think all that sweat is coming from. That is moisture being pulled from other areas of your body! As a result I am in chronic kidney failure. Proceed with caution, talk to a pharmacist, I talked to five with all the same answer. My rheumatologist said nothing and when I repetedly questioned he became very defensive. He is no longer my rheumatologist but I gained a nyphrologist and kidney failure in the process. I'll take the hard candy anyday!

Again thanks for the laugh...been there!
Allisonc79
Allisonc79
I would have to say water beside the bed is what saves me. I can't find anything else that takes care of the problem more efficiently. I like the idea of mineral oil though. I do wake up often with that major thirst and dry throat so water is my only solution really.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Holy crap. I never even considered kidney stones being a side effect of salagen. That definitely gives me pause. Yet my mouth is so dry I can't eat or swallow or speak without salagen...I get huge sores and yeast in my mouth from everything being so dry and irritated. So the choice is between that and possible kidney failure?

There is simply no way drinking more water during the night will save me from this misery. Autoimmune diseases suck, they just suck. :(
jltraw
jltraw
Had the same issue with extreme mouth and throat sores, inability to swollow, speaking, thank God no yeast. The best thing that has worked for me is the daily folic acid. I don't wish the kidney issues on ANYONE....just one of the perks of sjogren's.
SamUL
SamUL
DeathWarmedOver - yes, that was my first thought about the mineral oil. It sounds good but I did read it is mainly used as a laxative. The Evoxac I have is a capsule. I did try pouring out half the powder in it, but still too much sweating. I know most people swear drinking water helps but it is just not soothing to my throat either.

Jackie - you are right. I remember reading somewhere else that there is a connection between Salagen (and I assume Evoxac also) and kidney stones. Don't think I want to go that route.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
4mysanity
4mysanity
Hi People ...... mineral oil is used as a laxative but you have to take a much larger dose as a laxative. I use only 1 teaspoon to coat my throat. I think you need to take 2 Tablespoons for a laxative. It can't hurt to try it. I hate taking any medications, so I thought I would try a more natural med. It coats the throat quite effectively. :)
SamUL
SamUL
4mysanity - thanks for the info. I have a lot of gastrointestinal problems so I'm still a little nervous about trying this. It sounds like it's the coating effect that is helping. I might try something similar in consistency - honey maybe? I know that when I have a sore throat honey and hot tea really does help.