Sjogren's syndrome: symptoms, causes, and medications. Hello healthy

Definition

What is Sjogren's syndrome?

Sjogren's syndrome is an immune system disorder with the two most common symptoms - dry eyes and dry mouth. This disease is caused by inflammation of the glands of the tears, saliva and other substances. Arthritis, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, nerves, and muscles may also be affected.

Sjogren's syndrome is often associated with other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Sjogren's syndrome, the mucous membranes and secretory glands of the moist (lacrimal) eye and mouth are the areas first affected - with the result that decreased amounts of tears and saliva.

How common is this condition?

This disease can affect people of all ages. However, most patients diagnosed are over 40 years of age.

Women get more of this disease than men. This disease is also more common in people with certain autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome?

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are dry eyes and dry mouth. Dry eyes can make the bottom of the eyelids look as if they have been exposed to sand, burnt eyes, become more sensitive to light, leak tears and develop ulcers.

Dry mouth can cause difficulty chewing and swallowing dry food, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.

Other symptoms may include:

• Blurred vision
• Itchy and red eyes
• Dry lips and throat, sore mouth or thirst
• Fever, rash
• Fatigue or shortness of breath
• Joint pain
• Stomach ache;
• Swollen glands on the cheeks and lymph nodes;
• The vagina becomes dry; dry vagina causing pain during intercourse.

Some of the other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you feel anxious about these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

When to go to the doctor

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms above or have questions, consult a doctor. Every body acts differently from one another. Talk to your doctor about the best solution for your situation.

Cause

What causes Sjogren's syndrome?

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. This occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own cells and tissues.

Sjogren's syndrome is a disorder that attacks the salivary and tear glands, so they can stop working. The cause of this disease is still unclear. However, a number of genetic and environmental factors can increase the risk of disease. This syndrome is not contagious.

Apart from the salivary and tear glands, this disease can also damage other parts of your body, such as:

• Muscle
• Thyroid
• Kidney
• Heart
• Lungs
• Skin
• Nerve

Risk factors

What increases risk factors for Sjogren's syndrome?

There are many risk factors for this disease, namely:

• Age. Sjogren's syndrome is usually diagnosed in people over 40 years of age.
• Gender. Women are more at risk of developing this disease.
• Have rheumatoid. Most people with Sjogren's syndrome have rheumatoid diseases, such as arthritis or lupus.

Medicines & Medicines

Sjogren's syndrome is difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms vary from person to person and can be similar to other conditions. There are several medications that have dry mouth side effects that are similar to the symptoms of this syndrome.

The tests below may help doctors diagnose Sjogren's syndrome:

Blood test

Your doctor may ask you to do a blood test to check:

• Levels of various types of blood cells
• The presence of antibodies
• Evidence of an inflammatory condition
• Indication of problems with the liver and kidneys

Eye test

Your doctor can measure the dryness of your eyes with a test called the Schirmer's tear test. A small piece of filter paper will be placed under your eyelid to measure tear production.

Imaging test

Several imaging tests can determine the function of your salivary glands. The following imaging tests may be ordered by your doctor:

• Shitogram. This procedure shows how much saliva is in the mouth.
• Salivary scintigraphy. This is a nuclear medicine test that involves intravenous injections of radioactive isotopes.

Biopsy

The doctor may also perform a mouth biopsy to see the presence of inflamed cells, which can indicate Sjogren's Syndrome.

What are the treatment options for Sjogren's syndrome?

Quoted from the UK public health service, the NHS, there is no method that can completely cure it, but drugs and other treatments can help control Sjogren's syndrome. The doctor may give you medicine to keep the eyes, mouth, and vagina moist.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help reduce muscle soreness and swelling. Prednisone and other drugs can be taken if you suffer from excruciating muscle pain or lung, kidney and blood vessel problems.

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is often helpful in the treatment of Sjogren's syndrome. Medicines to suppress the immune system, such as methotrexate (Trexall), may also be prescribed by your doctor.

Minor procedures to close the tear ducts can help treat dry eyes. In this surgical procedure, silicone is inserted into the duct to help keep your tears at bay.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat Sjogren's Syndrome?

Lifestyle and home remedies below may be able to help with your illness:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Discuss with your dentist regularly. Brush and clean your teeth after eating
• Ask your doctor what moisturizing products are. If the artificial tears cause a burning sensation in your eyes, use another type of medication without preservatives. If the eyes are dry at night, an eye ointment may help. Vaginal lubricants used throughout the day or before intercourse can also help
• Use an adhesive or ointment for dry skin that helps keep the skin moisturized
• Use a moisturizer at night to avoid dry eyes, mouth and nose
• Call your doctor if you experience severe stomach pain, eye pain, or sudden changes in vision

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.