Causes for simultaneous dry eye and mouth conditions in individuals.
Dry eye and dry mouth are common conditions that can cause discomfort and affect quality of life. While they may seem unrelated, these conditions can often be interconnected, especially when they are symptoms of an underlying health condition.
The most common underlying health condition causing both dry eye and dry mouth simultaneously is Sjögren's syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disorder. This condition affects the moisture-producing glands, especially the lacrimal (tear) and salivary glands, leading to hallmark symptoms of dry eyes, dry mouth, and often fatigue [1][2][3][4]. Sjögren’s syndrome can occur alone (primary) or alongside other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (secondary) [1][3][5].
Other autoimmune diseases that can cause dry eyes and sometimes dry mouth include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Known mainly for joint inflammation but can also affect tear glands and cause dry eye [3][5].
- Lupus: A systemic autoimmune condition that can cause eye inflammation and dryness [3][5].
- Scleroderma: Can induce tear gland damage and dry eyes [5].
In addition to autoimmune diseases, certain systemic conditions can also lead to dry eye and dry mouth. For instance, thyroid disorders (both hypo- and hyperthyroidism) and diabetes may cause these symptoms through inflammation, nerve damage, or hormonal imbalances [5].
Moreover, chronic diarrhea caused by certain intestinal and metabolic conditions, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can lead to persistent dehydration, potentially causing dry eye and dry mouth [6].
Allergies and certain medications like anticholinergics, antihistamines, chemotherapy, diuretics can dry out the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth [7].
Sleeping conditions such as dry environment, sleeping with mouth or eyes open, sleep apnea, and lagophthalmos can also cause dry eye and dry mouth [8].
If dry eye and dry mouth are symptoms of another condition, treating the underlying cause is necessary along with treating the symptoms themselves. If symptoms do not resolve with at-home treatment, it is advisable to contact a doctor to check for underlying health conditions [9].
Menopause can cause dry eye and dry mouth due to hormonal changes, and kidney problems, including those treated with hemodialysis, can cause symptoms relating to moisture production and retention, including dry eye and dry mouth [10].
In conclusion, understanding the causes of dry eye and dry mouth is essential for effective treatment. While maintaining proper hydration and using lubricating eye drops can help manage these conditions, addressing any underlying health conditions is crucial for long-term relief. If you are experiencing persistent dry eye and dry mouth, consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Sjögren's syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sjogrens-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353541 [2] National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2021). Sjögren's syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/sjogrens-syndrome [3] American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2021). Dry eye. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/dry-eye-overview [4] American College of Rheumatology. (2021). Sjögren's syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Sjogrens-Syndrome [5] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Sjögren's syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/skin-conditions/sjogrens-syndrome [6] American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2021). Dry mouth. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/dry-mouth-overview [7] American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. (2021). Dry mouth. Retrieved from https://www.entnet.org/content/dry-mouth [8] National Sleep Foundation. (2021). Dry mouth. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/dry-mouth [9] American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2021). When to see a doctor for dry eye. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/when-to-see-a-doctor-for-dry-eye [10] National Institute on Aging. (2021). Menopause and dry eye. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause-and-dry-eye [11] National Kidney Foundation. (2021). Dry mouth. Retrieved from https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/drymouth
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