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How Does Lupus Lead To Dry Mouth?

Posted on Mon, 15 Dec 2014

Question: How does Lupus lead to dry mouth? Is Lupus progressive?

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
sicca symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Thank you for writing on healthcare magic

Well lupus is an autoimmune disease. The antibodies are produced by our immune system which tend to attack every system in our body if left uncontrolled. I won't say it is progressive like diabetes or hypertension which causes damage over time to the organs no matter how well you control it. If well controlled it doesn't affect any organ as such. But yes disease flares are well known

As for the dry mouth and dry eyes, it can cause destruction of the salivary glands. This is kniwn as secondary sjogrens syndrome. You can read it up on the net once. And ask me for further queries. I will be happy to help you out

Take care

Regards
Dr naval

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (1 hour later)

Thanks. Would the destruction of salivary glands tend to be total or could it be isolated to one gland? Or could it affect both submandibular glands but not the parotid?

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Secondary Sjogrens Syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

It can cause total destruction of the gland if left uncontrolled. Lupus if well controlled, normally doesnt cause such symptoms. As for the gland involvement, normal sjogrens syndrome secondary to lupus does not cause damage to parotid gland. It is mostly seen with Primary Sjogrens. But in medical science, nothing can be 100 %.

Are you experiencing any such symptoms of dry eyes or dry mouth...

Do let me know for further queries

I would be happy to help out

Regards
Dr Naval

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (19 hours later)

Thanks. Does sjogrens secondary to lupus cause problems with the submandibular gland? I know you said it doesn't cause problems with the parotid. Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
sjogren syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Good evening

Yes it can affect the submandibular gland due to the cell infiltration. But it is less severe than primary sjogren syndrome which totally destroys the gland

Hope it answers your query

Do let me know for further queries

Regards
Dr naval

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Naval Mendiratta (10 hours later)

Thank you. :)

Answered by Dr. Naval Mendiratta (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
? Sjogrens syndrome

Detailed Answer:
My pleasure. And you should work on cutting down your medications as well. you seem to be taking a lot of them. Take the ones which you need the most.

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj