Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjogren’ syndrome occurs when the immune system erroneously targets specific body cells, causing reduced secretion of many body glands. Autoimmune disease triggers the abnormal production of extra antibodies in the blood, which target various tissues of the body, causing inflammation of the glands.
Symptoms Of Sjogren’s Syndrome
Inflammation of the salivary, tear and other glands in the body causes severe dryness. The eyes, mouth and vagina are the regions most commonly affected by the resulting dryness.
Other symptoms include an absence or reduction of tears and a dry, gritty or burning sensation in the eyes. Redness, sensitivity to light and eye fatigue can all be a result of this disease.
Sometimes restriction of upper eyelids causes a staring appearance and the eyes may protrude. This is the result of a swelling of the tissue behind the eye.
A very dry mouth, which makes talking, chewing and swallowing difficult is a common symptom. Some people experience a dry or burning feeling in their throat, a sore cracked tongue, dry or peeling lips and an altered taste sensation.
Although glands relating to eyes and mouth are usually the main target of Sjogren’s syndrome, damage to joints, thyroid, kidneys, liver, lungs and nerves are also at risk.
Treatment For Sjogren’s Syndrome
There is no cure for Sjogren’s syndrome. The medical focus is on relieving the symptoms of the condition and halting the progression of the disease.
The treatment for dry eyes is medication to reduce inflammation and/or he insertion of plugs into the tear ducts of the eyes, which prevents drainage of liquid from the eyes. Artificial tears are prescribed, which are usually still required even with duct plugs. Attempts to shut the tear duct by means of surgery is sometimes tried.
Sugar free chewing gum, sipping water, or a saliva substitute is recommended for a dry mouth. For joint and muscle pain , ibuprofen may be used, and medications such as antihistamines that can cause dryness are avoided.
Who Is Most At Risk
Women over 40 years of age have been found to be 10 times more likely than men of contracting this disease. Between 0.2% and 1.2% of the population is said to be affected.
It is common for people who suffer from another autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus to also have Sjogren’s syndrome.
With proper attention to eye and oral care, and routine monitoring by the doctor, the outlook for people with this complaint is generally excellent.
Complication Of Sjogren’s Syndrome
Progression to tooth decay, oral yeast infection, ulceration of tongue and cheek membranes, and periodontal disease is a possible complication, if proper oral care is not observed.
Consultation with appropriate specialists to ensure dry eyes do not lead to serious eye injury, particularly to the cornea, is important.
Inflammation can cause serious illness in some of the more severe cases of Sjogren’ syndrome. Recurrent vaginal infections and painful intercourse may develop if lubrication is not used.
Bronchitis, pneumonia and other complications are a possibility when inflammation affects the lungs. Hepatitis and cirrhosis can result from the liver being damaged by inflammation, and kidney function may also be a target for this disease.