Dry thoat - nasal passages- Plaquenil

[katie3]

Hello All,
Looking for some suggestions..... I am newly diagnosed but have had symptoms for over four years.. even saw an ENT 3 years ago for dryness : (      My throat is so unbelievably dry it burns ... KIND OF LIKE A WIND TUNNEL when I breathe ( NOT TRYING TO BE FUNNY JUST EXPLAIN ) I use saline spray, humidifier, Ayr ( etc )
I started Salagan 5 weeks ago . does not help the burning throat and nasal passages. I have my follow up with Rheumatologist this Monday... The only med I am taking is Salagan... is Plaquenil something that is typically prescribed and do you think it would help..... I had negative everything else except the SSA. I am really pretty miserable Really DRY mouth too. I'm  so bummed.. I am usually a very optimistic person ... this is really
getting to me, its been consistanly this bad for about 6 months : (... Also scheduled another ENT APPT... wonder if maybe they could help... I welcome and would love your input.
I am so grateful to have this forum...  !!!!

Katie

[SunshineDaydream]

It is my understanding that plaquenil could help with inflammation, joint pain and fatigue. Try switching to Evoxac for to help with oral and possibly eye dryness per responses to your prior post. https://sjogrensworld.org/index.php?topic=30757.msg321014#msg321014

[finallyadx]

Hello, welcome to the forum.  Sorry you had to find us, but glad you did.  The groups is full of supportive, knowledgeable folks. 

I personally use Evoxac - never tried salagen and it helps immensely.  I also use over the counter biotene  dry mouth spray and I recently purchased a product from my dentists office that is a dry mouth spray as well.  I spray my mouth before bedtime and keep it next to me at night in case I need to spray again.  It does help with the dry throat as well.  I use a saline spray for my nose, Flonase and zicam nose sprays at times when it seems the worst (allergy season particularly for me). 

Plaquenil has helped me with fatigue, joint pains and misc other aches that I attribute to sjogrens.  When you see your rheumatologist - ask about plaquenil and whether or not it is right for you/an option for you.

Keep us posted.

In the meantime, sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

[SunshineDaydream]

In addition to those suggested by finallyadx, this thread has many suggestions for OTC products to help with dryness: https://sjogrensworld.org/index.php?topic=10139.0

[Kristian]

Katie3-

Have you tried the biotene products?  I use the gel at night and the spray or mouth rinse during the day and they help a lot.  I also usually carry 2-3 sugar free life savers in my pocket and a bottle of water if I go anywhere.

Prescription wise the Exovac has been a lifesaver as I used to get so hoarse I couldn't talk and was actually losing weight because my throat was so dry I couldn't eat even with a beverage.  I also have a prescription oral spray callled Aquaoral that helps to make better saliva that lasts longer.

Another big help has been using something to moisturize my nose.  Someone on the board mentioned Polnaris and the stuff works great, easy to buy on Amazon.  Saline gel's from NasoMed etc... really help as an alternative moisturizer.  I found by using the nasal moisturizer and the oral moisturizers my throat did a ton better.

Hope your Rheumy or ENT can help you quickly as it will make huge difference in your quality of life.

Good Luck!

[tiredndryinTN]

I'm so very sorry for what you are experiencing.
I have taken both Salagen and Evoxac.
Between the 2, I have experienced that Evoxac does a better job for dry sinuses and dry mouth. For me anyway. I also have less scratchy throat on it.
However, I switched back to Salagen, since, though my sinuses are dry and burn, and my mouth is more dry more often, it actually helps my eyes tear a tiny bit while Evoxac does not. And as severe dry eye is my worst symptom, I tolerate burny sinuses and mummy mouth, and dry feeling lungs to avoid the constant pain from abrasions that come from the dry eye. Too bad it has to be an either/or.

I do hope some of the suggestions posted help you achieve relief.

[araminta]

I have found sugar free chewing gum to be extremely helpful.   I usually have some in my mouth, it makes a big difference.   You can also buy Xylimelts for nighttime.