Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease. This means that your immune system attacks parts of your body by mistake. There are distinct symptoms of this syndrome, the most important of which is the appearance of dehydration in different areas of the body, but is there a treatment for it?
Definition of Sjogren's syndrome
In Sjogren's syndrome, it attacks the glands that make tears and saliva. This causes dry mouth and dry eyes. You may have dehydration in other places that need moisture, such as your nose, throat, and skin.
Sjogren's syndrome can also affect other parts of the body, including the joints, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, digestive organs, and nerves. Most people with Sjogren's syndrome are women. It usually begins after the age of 40. It is sometimes associated with other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
To make a diagnosis, doctors can use a medical history, a physical examination, some eye and mouth exams, blood tests and a biopsy. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. It can be different for each person. It depends on the affected body parts. It might involve artificial tears for dye eyes and sucking on sugar-free candy or drinking water often for dry mouth.
Understanding Sjogren's Syndrome and the Immune System
In a normal, healthy body, the immune system attacks foreign bacteria or invaders. However, sometimes the immune system starts attacking your body, because it (mistakenly) thinks foreign substances are present. If this happens, it causes damage to healthy tissue. This condition is called an autoimmune disorder.
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the salivary and lacrimal glands. These glands help the body create moisture in the eyes and mouth in the form of saliva and tears.
This is a chronic systemic disorder that affects one to four million people in the United States, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders.
The condition is usually diagnosed as primary or secondary. In Sjogren's primary syndrome, there is no other autoimmune disease. Secondary Sjögren's syndrome is diagnosed when a person has another autoimmune disease. Primary Sjögren's syndrome also tends to be more aggressive and can cause more dryness than the secondary type.
What are the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome?
Dry mouth is a common symptom that can increase the risk of tooth decay. It can also make speaking or swallowing more difficult, and chewing gum or sucking on candy may help with these symptoms.
Dry eyes often occur. This may sound like a burning sensation or as if something is in your eye. Sjögren's syndrome can affect the whole body. Some individuals experience vaginal dryness, dry skin, fatigue, rashes, or joint pain.
Sjogren syndrome can cause inflammation of organs such as the kidneys or lungs. If you have persistent inflammation, your doctor may prescribe medications to help prevent organ damage. These medications are called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. These medications help eliminate the immune system even more than immunosuppressant drugs.
Sjogren's primary and secondary forms can have similar symptoms, which include:
fatigue.
Brain fog.
Fever.
Joint pain.
Muscle pain.
Neurogenic pain.
Less common symptoms:
Skin rash.
Major digestive problems.
Inflammation of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, or lungs.
Infertility or early menopause.
Secondary Sjogren syndrome can be associated with the following conditions:
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Primary cholangitis.
Lupus.
Hardening of the skin.
While the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis usually include joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness, it can cause other symptoms similar to those of Sjogren. These include:
Slight fever.
fatigue.
Anorexia.
Risk factors for Sjogren's syndrome
There is no specific cause or risk factor for Sjogren's syndrome. Nine out of 10 people with the condition are women, and the problem is especially likely to develop after menopause.
Research is currently underway to find out if estrogen is related to the condition. Other autoimmune disorders are often present, and a family history of the condition appears to increase the risk of developing the syndrome.
How is Sjogren's syndrome diagnosed?
There is no single diagnostic test for this condition. Since symptoms of Sjogren syndrome are general symptoms, your doctor will run a variety of tests to diagnose the problem. In addition to a physical examination and medical history, your doctor may perform blood tests to check for the presence of certain antibodies associated with Sjogren's syndrome.
Eye exams and lip biopsy can help check moisture in the eyes and salivary gland production. Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you take. The side effects of some medications are similar to those of Sjogren's syndrome.
Sjogren's syndrome diagnostic tests
Your doctor will first look at your complete medical history and conduct a physical examination. They will also likely order the following tests:
Blood tests: These are used to find out if you have certain antibodies that are characteristic of Sjogren. Your doctor will look for antibodies to Ro / SSA, antibodies to La / SSB, ANA, and rheumatoid factor (RF).
Biopsy: During this procedure, your doctor will focus on your salivary glands.
Schirmer's test: During a five-minute eye exam, your doctor places filter paper at the corner of your eye to see how wet it is.
Rose-Bengal or Linamin Green test: This is another eye test that measures corneal dryness.
Cases similar to Sjögren's syndrome
Be sure to tell your doctor about the over-the-counter medicines and the medicines you are taking. Some medications can cause symptoms associated with Sjogren's symptoms. These medications include:
Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec)
Oral contraceptives.
Blood pressure medications.
Radiation treatments can also cause similar symptoms, especially if you receive these treatments around the head and neck area.
Other autoimmune disorders may also mimic Sjögren's disorders. It is important to have all recommended tests performed and follow up with your doctor to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.
There is no cure for Sjogren's syndrome. However, there are many treatments and lifestyle options that can improve your quality of life, so follow all of your doctor's instructions so that you can overcome these symptoms.
