Overview of Sjogren's syndrome
It's only natural to worry when you've been afflicted with a disease that requires regular care. With Sjogren's syndrome, however, you're still able to maintain a healthy life and continue enjoying all the activities you've been doing without having to make any serious changes.
There is no cure for Sjogren’s syndrome, but treatments are available to help reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications. Treatment options can include any combination of medication and good oral hygiene as well as surgery, if necessary. Medical cannabis for Sjogren’s syndrome can also ease some of the symptoms, like pain, swelling and inflammation, that could keep you from living your daily life.
Sjogren's syndrome, which is pronounced as “SHOW-grins,” is an immune system disorder characterized by two common symptoms: dry mouth and dry eyes. It often occurs alongside other immune system disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. With this disorder, your moisture-secreting glands and mucous membranes of your mouth and eyes are typically affected first. As a result, you’ll likely see a decline in your saliva and tear production.
It's not known what causes Sjogren's syndrome. However, individuals with the disorder have abnormal proteins in their blood, suggesting the immune system, that helps protect your body from infections and cancers, is attacking its own tissue. You have a decline in the amount of saliva and tears you can produce with this disorder because inflammation damages the glands that create these fluids. Viral infections and genetic factors may also play a role in why some people are predisposed to developing the condition.
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Findings: Effects of Cannabis on Sjogren's syndrome
Patients who suffer from Sjogren’s syndrome often use CBD-enriched extracts to treat the potentially debilitating symptoms. These patients can use tinctures (typically administered under the tongue), topical ointments, such as a cannabis-infused cream, and CBD oil.
Most patients seeking medical marijuana to treat Sjogren's syndrome already know this alternative medication greatly reduces inflammation and may slow joint damage in the long-term.
Marijuana and Sjogren’s syndrome treatment stands to offer patients with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis therapeutic benefits. The cannabidiol (CBD) in marijuana has been shown to inhibit the progression of arthritis and reduce joint inflammation. Pot also helps reduce the pain that typically comes with inflammatory conditions like lupus. Your CB1 and CB2 receptors are involved in the interruption of inflammation-causing pain, and pain decreases as the cannabinoids act on these receptors.
Cannabinoids contribute to the regulation of your immune system and can fight against autoimmune diseases.
Weed has hundreds of chemicals in it. However, the most popular chemical is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the chemical that gives you that 'high' feeling when you smoke or eat products made with cannabis.
The THC binds to your brain's receptors and produces an analgesic effect. Some individuals suffering from chronic pain may even see a decline in their anxiety.