Parotitis/dry mouth

Posted , 8 users are following.

Hi. For the past 2 months I've been dealing with swelling/inflammation of the salivary glands along with extremely dry mouth. My eyes are dry but I wear contacts so not sure it's related. I also have a lot of heartburn, acid reflux. I've been to 3 drs so far and no conclusive diagnosis. One said viral, one put me on antibiotics, one suggested sjogren syndrome but has to follow up. I have another appointment coming up. Is there anything I can suggest to dr? Also did anyone have parotitis and is there anything that helps.? This is making me so self conscious. And I literally can't eat a cracker my mouth is so dry. Thank you so much.

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    I would definitely push your GP to refer you to a rheumatologist for further testing - although a start would be getting bloods done for ANA, Rheumatoid Factor and inflammation markers plus an ultrasound done of your parotids. My eyes have always been dry but my mouth less so and I’ve never had swollen parotids. But this disease can present SO differently for each sufferer so your Sjögren’s might not be mine. 

  • Posted

    How was your acid reflux diagnosed, and what are you doing for it? It doesn't necessarily have anything to do with Sjogren's.

  • Posted

    Hi. Certainly sounds like a strong possibility. The symptoms can all be related including acid reflux. I have gastritis linked to a very similar disorder. Sjogren's Behcet's Lupus and other auto immune disorders can cause havoc with the bowel and stomach. I would request a gastroscopy. Ask for referral to a specialist in this area.

  • Posted

    Hi, I have sjogren's syndrome and I also have a very dry mouth.  I have found that oil pulling helps to keep my mouth healthy.  People with dry mouth are more prone to dental decay and unhealthy gums which the oil pulling really helps, and it also helps somewhat with the dry mouth.  I also drink a lot of water and have it by my side constantly.  I keep sugarless gum and breath mints in my purse so if I need something when I'm out I can just pop one in my mouth.  Whenever I have parotitis? I like to swish water mixed with a few drops of myrrh essential oil.  Hope that helps!

    • Posted

      Thanks so much for the advice. I will definitely try oil pulling. Have a great day.

  • Posted

    Well I'll tell you I recently had a test for Sjogren's and it came back inconclusive. But I'm thinking it was because of my steroids that I take. I'm going to call my oral surgeon Monday and asked if that could have affected the test. So the reason I'm telling you this is if you are on steroids taper off of them if possible before the test. Or at least ask the doctor is it could affect the results.

    And I can feel for you on the eating cracker or cookie or anything slightly dry. I have to take a bite and then take a sip of water and that's the only way I can get it down.

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