Sjögren’s syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is a fairly common chronic autoimmune disease that affects the moisture-producing glands of the body. In about 50% of cases, Sjögren’s occurs alone. In the other 50%, it occurs together with or as a result of other autoimmune connective tissue diseases, for example rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma. It affects people of all ethnic and race groups, with ten times as many women than men suffering from it. The first symptoms usually appear between the ages of 45 and 55.

Causes

The exact cause of Sjögren’s disease is not known but it is an autoimmune disorder. This means that a person’s immune system, which normally protects the body against infections and diseases, reacts against the body’s own cells and tissues. In the case of Sjögren’s, the glands that produce fluids are damaged by inflammation.

Research has found that some people may be at higher risk for Sjögren’s due to genetic factors and possibly also viral infections, but the relation is not clear.

Symptoms

Being a syndrome, the disease involves various parts of the body. The main and usually first symptoms of Sjögren’s are a dry mouth and eyes, but the joints, thyroid, kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, blood vessels, pancreas and the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems can also be affected. Some sufferers have extreme fatigue and joint pain.

It is noteworthy that not all sufferers experience the symptoms to the same degree; most sufferers have only mild discomfort but others are debilitated by the symptoms. Once the syndrome has developed, the symptoms may remain steady or may worsen over time. They seldom go into remission.

The symptoms of Sjögren’s overlap with those of other diseases, but if you suffer from the following you should consult a health professional:

• • Dry mouth

• • Dry, gritty or burning sensation in the eyes

• • Sore or cracked tongue

• • Dry or burning throat

• • Dry or peeling lips

• • Swollen salivary glands

• • Difficulty talking, chewing or swallowing

• • Persistent dry cough

• • Change in taste or smell

• • Increased dental decay

• • Joint pain

• • Vaginal and skin dryness

• • Skin rashes or dry skin

• • Digestive problems

• • Dry nose

• • Ongoing fatigue.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Sjögren’s can be difficult because the syndrome is not yet well known and it mimics other diseases. Furthermore, the symptoms vary from person to person. As a result, it takes on average more than four and a half years before a correct diagnosis is made. The earlier a correct diagnosis is made, the better the chances of preventing serious complications and the sooner the sufferer’s quality of life can be improved.

To diagnose Sjögren’s, a doctor will do a physical examination, consider the symptoms and do some tests including blood, eye and dental tests, and may take a biopsy of the saliva glands around the face or under the surface of the inner lip.

Treatment

Unfortunately there is no cure for Sjögren’s yet but treatment may help alleviate the symptoms and prevent complications. As the symptoms for each sufferer differ, there is no universal treatment. Depending on the sufferer’s symptoms, the treatment may consist of over the counter products such as eye drops and mouth rinses but also prescription medication to treat the symptoms. To treat the internal organs, immunosuppressive medications are often prescribed.

Ongoing professional care is important as Sjögren’s can lead to infections and complications that have to be treated as they occur. Sufferers should also receive regular dental care as Sjögren’s may put them at greater risk of dental problems. Regular eye examinations are important to detect possible damage to the cornea of the eyes.

Home care

Apart from following the treatment as prescribed by the doctor, a sufferer can also:

• • Increase humidity at home and in the workplace

• • Stay out of windy conditions (weather or fans and air conditioners)

• • Drink more water (lemon water will help stimulate saliva)

• • Chew sugarless gum to increase saliva flow

• • Brush teeth and floss after every meal

• • Avoid hot water in the bath or shower

• • Apply moisturiser to the skin

• • Use vaginal moisturisers and lubricants.

 

Sources
http://www.mayoclinic.com
http://www.rheumatology.org
http://www.sjogrens.org