Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by inflammation of certain glands in the body, such as the mouth and eyes, which results in symptoms such as dry mouth and feeling sandy in the eyes, as well as an increased risk.Infections such as cavities and conjunctivitis.
Sjogren’s syndrome can occur in two ways:
- This disease.
- Although not curable.
- Has a benign evolution and develops over many years.
- And there are also treatment options to relieve symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life.
- Such as eye drops and artificial saliva.
Sjogren syndrome results in deregulation of a person’s immunity, causing inflammation and self-destruction of the glands, especially the salivary and tear glands, so these glands cannot produce secretions and symptoms such as:
This syndrome is more common in young women, but it can occur in people of all ages, in some cases the first symptoms appear during pregnancy, as it is a time when hormonal changes and emotional stimuli can exacerbate this type of disease.
In rarer situations, this syndrome can cause signs and symptoms unrelated to the glands, called extraglandular manifestations.
In addition, Sjogren syndrome can cause neurological symptoms, being a more severe type of manifestation, which can lead to loss of strength in a body location, changes in sensitivity, seizures and movement difficulties.
Although rare, people with Sjogren’s syndrome may also have an increased risk of developing lymphoma, which can occur later in the disease.
Diagnosis of Sjogren syndrome is made by the rheumatologist, who evaluates symptoms, performs a physical examination of the glands and may request tests such as immunity markers, called anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB and FAN.
A lip biopsy may be requested to confirm if there is any doubt about the diagnosis or to assess the presence of other factors that may cause symptoms similar to this syndrome, such as viral infections, diabetes, use of certain medications or psychological causes, find out what other causes of dry mouth may be and how to control them.
In addition, it is also important to investigate the existence of hepatitis C, as it can cause symptoms very similar to those of Sjogren’s syndrome.
Treatment of Sjogren syndrome is mainly done to control symptoms, using lubricating eye drops and artificial saliva, as well as medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or hydroxychloroquine, for example, to reduce inflammation prescribed by rheumatologist.
Other natural alternatives include chewing sugar-free gum, drinking water with lemon drops or chamomile tea, and eating foods rich in omega 3s, such as fish, olive oil, and flaxseed oil. Learn more about how to treat Sjogren’s syndrome.