First, Sjogren’s syndrome happens in patients who do not have any alternative rheumatic disease. Second Sjogren’s syndrome develops in patients who do have another rheumatic disease, sometimes lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Sjogren’s syndrome could be a treatable condition. With effective treatment, most Sjogren’s syndrome patients will live well. way more is currently known concerning Sjogren’s syndrome than when it absolutely was discovered by Henrik Sjogren within the early twentieth century.Here are 10 Important Points You Must Know About Sjogren’s Syndrome.
1 -Sjogren’s is an “auto-immune” disease.
People with Sjogren’s syndrome have abnormal proteins in their blood indicating that the immune system is reacting against its own tissues of the body (autoimmune reaction). Sjogren’s syndrome is additionally thought-about an inflammatory condition which will have an effect on totally different elements of the body.
2 – Sjogren’s Syndrome can affect people at any age. More in women than men.
Approximately one to a pair of p.c of the population [1 to four million Americans] are diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome. Symptoms sometimes develop between forty five and fifty five years older. Sjogren’s syndrome is far a lot of prevalent in ladies than men, with ten times a lot of ladies than men developing the condition. It is estimated that almost 1/2 all Sjogren’s syndrome patients even have rheumatoid arthritis or one amongst the opposite connective tissue diseases like lupus.
3 – Syndrome affect different body parts-Typically tear and salivary glands.
The results of tear and salivary gland involvement is dry eye and dry mouth — the foremost common symptoms related to Sjogren’s syndrome. Patients with dry eye expertise irritation, burning, or the sensation of grit within the eye. Dry mouth will build it tough to swallow bound foods. Some Sjogren’s syndrome patients conjointly expertise dryness of the skin, vagina, nasal passages, and throat.
4 – Decreased tears and saliva [dry eye and dry mouth] can cause an increased risk of eye and dental problems.
Patients that suffer with dry eyes are at increased risk of eye infections or infections round the eye. Dry mouth will cause dental decay, gingivitis, and thrush (oral yeast infection). it’s vital for Sjogren’s syndrome patients to own regular checkups with an opthalmologist and dentist.
5 – There are other complications that may be associated with syndrome, though they are considered more rare.
Rare complications linked to Sjogren’s syndrome include:
- pain, stiffness, gentle swelling within the joints even in patients who do not have rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
- rashes on arms and legs associated with vasculitis.
- inflammation within the lungs, liver, and kidneyne.
- urological complications leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness.
- lymphoma in a very little range of patients.
6 – Because dry eye and dry mouth are not symptoms that are exclusive to Sjogren’s , other specialized tests may be needed to help identify the condition.
Certain special tests that may be ordered are
- Schirmer test
- slit lamp exam
- staining with vital dyes
- mouth exam
- lip biopsy
7 – There are antibodies found in the blood of Sjogren’s syndrome patients. Their presence helps formulate the diagnosis.
Rheumatoid issue isn’t solely found in rheumatoid arthritis patients. it’s going to be gift in Sjogren’s syndrome patients or different autoimmune disease patients too. Positive ANA testsalso could purpose to Sjogren’s syndrome, likewise as different autoimmune diseases. There are, however, specific antinuclear antibodies that occur commonly in Sjogren’s syndrome patients, though not all. the precise Sjogren’s syndrome antibodies are known as: anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B (also named as anti-Ro and anti-La respectively).
8 – Treatment of Sjogren’s syndrome is very individual and depends on what body parts are affected. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms.
Dry eyes are helped by using artificial tears. Dry mouth may be relieved with saliva stimulants and mouth lubricants. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAIDs) are used to manage joint pain. Corticosteroids is also prescribed to regulate inflammation if their is systemic (e.g., organs) involvement. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medicine (DMARDs) may be used to regulate an overactive immune system.
9 – Dry eye and dry mouth are primary symptoms of Sjogren’s but there are many causes for dry eye and dry mouth.
Certain medications, taken for different conditions, will cause dryness. it is important to not jump to conclusions as a result of you’re experiencing dry eyes or dry mouth. If you’ve got these symptoms, see a doctor for a radical analysis and diagnosis.
10 – blink your eyes to moisten them
For dry eyes, blink your eyes to moisten them. Blink five or half-dozen times a moment. defend your eyes from wind and drafts. take care to use a humidifier in your home. Avoid smoke, and avoid eye makeup that may be irritating. Similarly, there are logic tips for managing dry mouth. Chew gum or suck on onerous candy. Sip water throughout the day. Use lip balm to assuage dry lips.
References:
NIAMS.
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sjogrens_Syndrome/default.asp
American Collegee of Rheumatology.
http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/sjogrens_new.asp?aud=pat
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