Sicca Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Tears and saliva protect the eye surface and teeth and support speech and swallowing. Persistent dryness needs cause assessment rather than water alone or dismissal as normal aging.

Related reading: Sjogren disease as one cause of dryness.

Symptoms include grittiness, burning, fluctuating blurred vision, a sticky mouth, difficulty swallowing dry food, altered taste and recurrent dental decay.

Many medicines, head and neck radiation, diabetes or Sjogren disease may contribute. Tear evaporation or eyelid dysfunction can also cause dry-eye symptoms.

Multiple medicines, certain illnesses and radiation increase risk. Dry surroundings or prolonged screen use may worsen discomfort. Do not stop prescribed treatment without reviewing alternatives.

Assessment reviews medicines and examines the mouth and eyes, with tear or saliva tests when needed. Suspected Sjogren disease may require immune or gland testing; one antibody cannot diagnose it alone.

Artificial tears, saliva substitutes, cause-specific care and dental prevention may help. Saliva-stimulating medicines or anti-inflammatory eye drops require individualized prescribing and contraindication review.

Dryness can lead to decay, oral fungal infections, eye-surface damage or nutritional difficulties. Systemic risks depend on the cause; Sjogren complications do not apply to every dry mouth.

Use fluoride toothpaste, attend dental checks and avoid tobacco and eye irritants. Sips of water and sugar-free gum may help when safe for you.