What is Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Sjogren’s syndrome is an auto-immune disorder that affects the immune system. It is caused by a person’s failure to produce enough of a protein called beta-endorphin. This results in the body’s inability to control the production of many of the body’s vital nutrients. It is important to know what this condition is and how to treat it.

Symptoms

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system attacks glands in the body, causing dryness in different parts of the body. Some of the common symptoms include dryness of the mouth, eyes and skin. The condition is usually diagnosed in people between the ages of 40 and 50. It affects the nervous, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems.

Sjogren’s syndrome is not known for having a cure. However, patients can be relieved of its effects with the help of medications. These medications may treat the rashes, joint pain and fatigue that are associated with the disease. Moreover, patients may also be prescribed a diet based on low sugar and saturated fats.

Some doctors recommend that patients take a food diary to identify what foods trigger their symptoms. A balanced diet will help patients deal with Sjogren’s. Moreover, a lubricating eye drop or ointment can be used to keep the eyes moist.

If a patient has Sjogren’s, it is important to have an eye exam. This is because the immune system attacks the lacrimal (tear) glands in the eyes. This impedes tear production, resulting in itchiness, burning and red eyes. It is also possible for the cornea to become inflamed and ulcerated.

A doctor may diagnose Sjogren’s syndrome by performing blood tests. These tests can detect the presence of auto-antibodies. Alternatively, a salivary gland biopsy can be performed. This will confirm whether lymphocytes have invaded the gland.

Patients with Sjogren’s can also develop dental and vaginal problems. Dryness of the vagina can lead to infections and yeast infections, while dryness of the oral cavity can cause cavities. The condition can also be triggered by bacterial infection.

Sjogren’s syndrome can be caused by environmental factors as well as genetics. Some researchers think that an infectious germ or virus can trigger the condition, while others believe that certain genes can increase a person’s risk for the disease. There is no cure for Sjogren’s, but treatment can alleviate some of the symptoms.

In some cases, Sjogren’s can be triggered by rheumatic disease, such as lupus. If a patient has a history of rheumatic diseases, he or she can be referred to a rheumatologist for further evaluation and ongoing treatment.

Diagnosis

Sjogren’s Syndrome is a chronic disorder of the immune system. This condition causes inflammation of the mucus glands and other organs in the body. Symptoms of Sjogren’s include dryness and soreness of the mouth and eyes. Some people with this disease also experience pain in the joints and lungs.

Sjogren’s is usually diagnosed after a medical exam. The cause of this disease is not yet understood. However, it is known that some people get the disorder due to infections. There are several tests that can help to make a diagnosis.

Blood tests can determine if you have Sjogren’s. These tests are designed to measure different types of blood cells, inflammation in the body, and the number of immunoglobulins (proteins that fight infection) in the bloodstream.

The test may show if you have certain auto-antibodies that are common to Sjogren’s. These are antibodies against various tissues, including the salivary glands. If you have Sjogren’s, you will have high levels of these auto-antibodies. The results of these tests can be very useful in determining the severity of the condition.

Sjogren’s can be treated to relieve its symptoms and prevent complications. Some treatments include taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and using artificial tears to moisturize the eyes. These can be helpful in managing joint pain and muscle soreness.

A lip biopsy can also be performed to look for the presence of the disorder. During this procedure, a tiny salivary gland is removed from the lower lip. The tissue is then examined for inflammation and abrasions. A positive histopathology result will indicate Sjogren’s.

Sjogren’s is the second most common autoimmune rheumatic disease in the United States. It is estimated that up to four million Americans are affected. The condition is most prevalent in women and younger adults.

The condition can have a number of rare or serious side effects. It may also affect the kidneys, lungs, and joints. This is why it is important to see a doctor when you notice signs of Sjogren’s.

New guidelines have been developed to support the diagnosis and treatment of Sjogren’s. These guidelines were created by an international group of researchers led by UCSF. The purpose is to develop a single, universal standard that can be used by physicians worldwide.

Treatment

Sjogren’s syndrome is a disease that affects multiple organs, including the eye, digestive system, and joints. It is caused by an immune system that mistakenly attacks the glands that make saliva and tears. In severe cases, Sjogren’s can affect the respiratory and kidney systems. However, in most people, Sjogren’s syndrome is a manageable disorder that leads to a lifetime of healthy living.

There is no cure for Sjogren’s, but treatment can help relieve symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe a variety of drugs, from a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory to an artificial saliva drop. The treatment depends on your individual symptoms.

One common symptom of Sjogren’s is dryness in the mouth and nose. Some patients also experience pain in the joints. It is important to keep your symptoms under control because they can cause discomfort and interfere with your daily life. The best way to avoid these symptoms is to maintain a balanced diet. Be sure to consume plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition, make sure you wear a good moisturizer to prevent dry skin.

A dry mouth or nose can also cause irritation of the eyes. Using an ointment on the eyelids can prevent this from happening. You can also get help with your eye symptoms through eye drops, such as Restasis or Cequa.

Your ophthalmologist can also determine if you have Sjogren’s by examining your eyes. If you have it, your doctor may suggest surgery to close your tear ducts, allowing your eyes to stay moist longer. This can help prevent itching, burning, and grit from getting into your eyes.

A blood test can also detect Sjogren’s. Your doctor will look for a special antibody called SS-B. This antibody is found in about 60% of people with Sjogren’s. If the antibody is positive, this means your Sjogren’s is a rheumatologic condition.

Other tests for Sjogren’s include a blood test, a chest x-ray, or a lip biopsy. A lip biopsy will remove a small amount of tissue from the inner lip. This is analyzed under a microscope to find out if you have Sjogren’s.

Complications

Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic condition that causes the immune system to attack its own tissues and glands. It occurs in both children and adults. Symptoms may include a dry mouth, eyes, and joints.

The disease causes the immune system to attack the body’s moisture-producing glands. Specifically, white blood cells infiltrate the glands that make saliva. As a result, the glands do not produce as much fluid, causing a dry, itchy mouth.

Patients with Sjogren’s syndrome can experience painful flare-ups, as well as episodes of debilitating fatigue. They are also at a higher risk of developing lymphoma, a type of cancer. Despite these risks, most people with Sjogren’s disease do not have any serious medical complications. However, the disease can be very severe and can lead to blindness, impaired kidney and liver function, and other long-term problems.

In order to diagnose Sjogren’s syndrome, doctors must rule out other conditions. It is believed that other factors, such as infections or hormones, can trigger Sjogren’s. Some people also have a genetic tendency to develop the disease.

Medications to treat Sjogren’s can help prevent complications. They generally include medications to increase the production of saliva. Some patients also have to use anti-inflammation drugs. It is important to talk with a physician about treatment options, as they can vary. Keeping a balanced diet is recommended. Avoiding sugar, saturated fats, and sodium is a good idea.

Sjogren’s syndrome can also affect the central nervous system and can lead to nerve damage. This can be painful and can cause gait problems. It can also interfere with kidney and lung functions.

Sjogren’s syndrome can be treated with medications to suppress the immune system. Other treatments include minor surgery. Depending on the severity of the disease, some people may have to take medicines to reduce the inflammation.

If you’re experiencing dryness in your mouth, vision problems, or other complications, you should see your doctor. Fortunately, most of these symptoms will resolve over time. It’s important to see your doctor regularly for routine check-ups. You can also check with the National Institute of Health’s Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center for more information.

Links:
Sjögren’s syndrome | Causes, symptoms, treatments (versusarthritis.org)
Sjogren’s syndrome | SRUK
Sjogren’s syndrome – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
Understanding Sjögren’s | Sjögren’s Foundation (sjogrens.org)