央视网消息：冬季随着气温下降，加上北方地区供暖后空气干燥，不少人出现皮肤干燥、脱皮，眼睛干涩有沙砾感，怀疑自己是干燥综合征。 什么是干燥综合征？又该如何排查？ 北京同仁医院风湿免疫科副主任医师崔莉介绍，干燥综合征是一种免疫系统疾病，它主要是一种淋巴细胞的增殖，引起外分泌腺受累的一种自 身免疫性系统性疾病。干燥只是它的表面现象，它的核心还是自身免疫系统紊乱造成错误地识别自身器官，造成了器官损害。 专家介绍，干燥综合征主要攻击身体的腺体和黏膜组织，包括视神经、口腔，甚至内脏器官也会受到不同程度的损伤。干燥综合征的临床表现 较一般性的皮肤干燥、眼睛干涩等干燥程度要严重。 崔莉介绍，患者的干眼是比较严重的，没有泪液的任何分泌，口干的程度可能导致进食的时候都不能够下咽，没有唾液的滋养，牙齿也会频繁 出现龋齿情况。 干燥综合征的发病与季节的变化没有直接关系，发病群体以中老年女性较为突出。医生建议如果出现眼部、皮肤上的严重干燥，或者叠加症状 时要及时到医院就诊。 崔莉介绍，患者反复滴眼药水并不是效果很好，甚至可能会形成丝状角膜炎或者角膜溃疡，这个时候一定要去就医。皮肤干燥用润肤霜效果也 不好，特别是这些情况叠加在一起的时候 ...

Core Points - The article discusses the common experience of dry mouth and thirst, emphasizing that it is often due to physiological reasons and not necessarily indicative of health issues [1][3] - It highlights the importance of understanding the triggers of thirst, which can include dehydration from exercise, high salt or sugar levels in the blood, and age-related decline in saliva production [3][4] Summary by Sections Physiological Causes of Dry Mouth - Thirst is primarily triggered by a decrease in body fluid volume and an increase in fluid osmotic pressure [3] - Factors such as heavy exercise, excessive sweating, and insufficient water intake contribute to dehydration [3] - Aging can lead to reduced saliva production due to atrophy of salivary glands [3] Pathological Causes of Persistent Dry Mouth - If adequate hydration does not alleviate dry mouth, it may indicate underlying health issues such as: - Common illnesses like colds, fever, or diarrhea that lead to dehydration [4] - Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B2, which can cause oral dryness and other symptoms [4] - Side effects from medications like clonidine and amitriptyline that affect saliva secretion [4] Serious Health Conditions to Monitor - Six conditions are highlighted that warrant attention if persistent dry mouth occurs: 1. Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease affecting salivary glands [6] 2. Autoimmune liver diseases that may present with dry mouth and eyes [10] 3. Diabetes, characterized by excessive thirst and urination due to high blood sugar levels [11] 4. Diabetes insipidus, a rare condition leading to fluid imbalance and excessive urination [12] 5. Sleep apnea syndrome, which can cause dry mouth due to snoring and disrupted breathing during sleep [14] 6. Hyperthyroidism, which accelerates metabolism and can lead to increased thirst [16][17] Recommendations for Hydration - To effectively manage dry mouth, it is essential to maintain proper hydration: - The recommended daily water intake for adults is approximately 2500 milliliters, with at least 1500 milliliters coming from direct water consumption [20] - It is advised to drink water regularly throughout the day, rather than waiting until feeling thirsty [21] - Post-exercise hydration should be done gradually rather than in large amounts [22]

Core Insights - The article discusses the common experience of dry mouth and thirst, emphasizing that it is often due to physiological reasons rather than serious health issues. However, persistent dry mouth despite adequate hydration may indicate underlying medical conditions that require attention [1][3]. Physiological Causes of Dry Mouth - Dry mouth is frequently triggered by factors such as reduced body fluid volume and increased osmotic pressure in bodily fluids, which can occur due to excessive sweating, dry environments, or insufficient water intake [3]. - Aging and the resulting decline in bodily functions, particularly the atrophy of salivary glands, can also contribute to the sensation of dry mouth [3]. Medical Conditions to Watch For - **Sjögren's Syndrome**: An autoimmune disease that attacks exocrine glands, leading to dryness in the mouth and eyes, and can result in dental issues due to reduced saliva [8][10]. - **Autoimmune Liver Diseases**: These can cause dry mouth and may be associated with Sjögren's Syndrome [10]. - **Diabetes**: Symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss due to elevated blood sugar levels affecting fluid balance [11]. - **Diabetes Insipidus**: A rare condition leading to significant fluid imbalance and excessive urination, which can cause persistent thirst [12]. - **Sleep Apnea**: Often indicated by snoring, it can lead to dry mouth due to disrupted sleep patterns [13]. - **Hyperthyroidism**: Increased metabolism can lead to symptoms such as excessive thirst and dry mouth [15]. Recommendations for Hydration - It is advised that adults consume approximately 2500 milliliters of water daily, with at least 1500 milliliters coming from direct water intake [16]. - Drinking should be done in small amounts throughout the day rather than waiting until feeling thirsty [17]. - Preference should be given to plain water over sugary drinks, and hydration should be managed carefully after exercise [18].