can head x-rays exacerbate sjogrens and dry eyes?

[loops]

 Hi, im asking this question for my mom. She's 58 and has primary sjogrens, and has the most severe form of dry eyes. 5 years ago she had cancer therapy that made her eyes so dry that she has been using the boston scleral lens since. She has some cervical neck problems and a specialist wants to do 5 x-rays to the head and neck in order to treat the problem. We are wondering if the x-rays could possibly make the eye problems worse because we have heard that dental x-rays could possibly affect the salivary glands in sjogrens patients. My mom believes its better to err on the side of caution and wont have the x-rays if it could contribute to the dry eye problem. can anyone offer some input?

[ohiolady]

I have severe dry eyes and mouth.  I still have my dental x-rays once a year and have not noticed that affecting me.  Hopefully, some of the moderators will come along and answer your question.

Anna

[Epson]

I have had numerous head and mouth X-rays with no ill effects, other then glowing in the dark.

[Poochie]

Hi Loops,
I too have had x-rays with no adverse effects to my dryness, however, if any of the proceedures are done with "contrast" dyes, it's quite possible that might contribute to the dryness.

I recently had IV infusion of radioactive substance for a chemical stress test and sonagram of my heart.  I have noticed since that my joints and muscles hurt more than they did before.  But also a little more dryness in my eyes and mouth. 

Tell Mom to ask about this before hand and make sure she gets definitive answers.  Don't let them wave her off with a uncaring attitude. 

Pooh

[eyeamdry]

I have the yearly dental x-rays and have had several MRI's of my head and do not notice that it made my eyes worse. 

Now reading about the "dye" causing dryness problems.  I've been loaded with dye. 

Lucy

[irish]

As a retired RN I have to say that I have never heard anything about the regular x-rays or cat scans causing problems. I have had so many cat scans of my sinuses etc and have never noticed anything.

You might be referring to the effect that radiation can have on the salivary glands. People who have had cancer of the tongue, throat, etc and have had to have radiation to the face and neck region have been known to have some damage to the salivary glands.

Your mom needs to ask her doc about this to calm her fears. Irish

[loops]

thanks everyone for your input!! we deeply appreciate it.

[Patze]

Hi Loops,

I'm with Epson on that glowing in the dark part for sure!

Seriously, I've had lots of x-ray's & MRI's (with and without contrast) and I haven't noticed a connection either.  And Irish has a good point, please have your Mom talk to the doctor, they can answer her questions, and help to alleviate her fears.

Take care -

Patze