Symptom 18. Dry Mouth and Eyes: The Exocrine Expressions of Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis can cast its shadow over even the most unexpected parts of your body. One of these includes your exocrine system, particularly affecting the moisture production for your mouth and eyes. Picture it as if your personal hydration system is falling short of supplies, leaving you with a persistent dryness.
In amyloidosis, the amyloid proteins can lodge themselves within your salivary and lacrimal glands, the waterworks of your mouth and eyes. It’s as if a drought has struck these areas, causing a decrease in saliva and tear production. The result is a pervasive dryness that can feel as uncomfortable as being stuck in a desert without water.
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, isn’t just a mere inconvenience. It’s a precursor to a domino effect of complications. From difficulty in tasting and swallowing food to a surge in dental issues, it can significantly affect your oral health and your enjoyment of food. It’s like having your favorite dishes served, but your mouth is too parched to savor them.
Simultaneously, dry eyes can feel as irritating as having sand in your eyes, causing a stinging or burning sensation. Your eyes might turn red, become sensitive to light, or give you the feeling of something being lodged in them. It can affect your vision and make daily activities, like reading or driving, an uphill task.
It’s essential to recognize these symptoms as manifestations of a much larger issue: amyloidosis. They stand as a testament to how far-reaching this disease can be, silently affecting different parts of the body. Despite the discomfort, these exocrine expressions serve as markers, guiding the way towards diagnosis and treatment. (18)
