1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Sjogren's Syndrome

Parotitis/dry mouth

Posted , 8 users are following.

hollynoelle
hollynoelle

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

  • Tumtum1963
    Tumtum1963 hollynoelle

    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. 

  • aitarg35939
    aitarg35939 hollynoelle

    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.

  • margaret22116
    margaret22116 hollynoelle

    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.

  • Bonnie95
    Bonnie95 hollynoelle

    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!

    • hollynoelle
      hollynoelle Bonnie95

      Posted

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

  • amkoffee
    amkoffee hollynoelle

    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.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.