How is Sjögren's syndrome treated?

Generally, the treatment methods for Sjögren's syndrome mainly include general management, local drug therapy, systemic drug therapy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment, and symptomatic supportive treatment. The details are as follows:

1. General Management

Patients should maintain oral and ocular hygiene and moisture in daily life. Sugar-free lozenges or artificial saliva can be used to relieve dry mouth, while warm compresses may help promote tear secretion for dry eyes.

2. Local Drug Therapy

The main goal of local drug therapy is to relieve localized dryness symptoms. For dry eyes, sodium hyaluronate eye drops or polyethylene glycol eye drops (artificial tears) may be used as directed by a physician to keep the ocular surface moist. For dry mouth, compound chlorhexidine mouthwash or artificial saliva sprays can be used to improve the oral environment and prevent oral infections.

3. Systemic Drug Therapy

If patients develop systemic symptoms or internal organ involvement, systemic drug therapy is required. Hydroxychloroquine tablets may be prescribed to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammatory responses. In more severe cases, glucocorticoids such as methylprednisolone tablets or prednisone tablets may be used to rapidly control inflammation. For those who respond poorly to steroid therapy, immunosuppressants such as cyclophosphamide tablets or azathioprine tablets may be added to regulate immune function and slow disease progression.

4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment

According to TCM theory, Sjögren's syndrome is often associated with deficiency of yin accompanied by dry heat or dual deficiency of qi and yin. Treatment focuses on nourishing yin, moistening dryness, and reinforcing qi and yin. As directed by a physician, TCM formulations with yin-nourishing and dryness-relieving properties—such as Xuanmai Ganju Granules or Shengmai Yin Oral Liquid—may be used. Acupuncture may also serve as an adjunctive therapy, targeting acupoints such as Hegu (LI4), Taixi (KI3), and Sanyinjiao (SP6) to regulate the body’s yin-yang balance and alleviate symptoms like dry mouth and dry eyes.

5. Symptomatic and Supportive Treatment

Complications arising from Sjögren's syndrome require targeted management. If hypothyroidism is present, levothyroxine sodium tablets may be prescribed under medical supervision to supplement thyroid hormones. In cases of renal tubular acidosis, potassium citrate sustained-release tablets should be administered to correct electrolyte imbalances. For patients with anemia, treatments such as ferrous succinate tablets or vitamin B12 tablets may be selected based on the type of anemia to improve related symptoms.

In addition, during treatment, patients should undergo regular follow-up examinations as directed by their physicians to monitor complete blood count, liver and kidney function, and immune markers. If symptoms worsen or adverse drug reactions occur, they should seek medical attention promptly to adjust the treatment plan.