An estimated four million Americans are living with Sjogren's syndrome today. Half the time it can also be associated with other connective tissue disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, etc.) in the body, and this kind is called secondary Sjogren's sydrome. When the disease doesn't correlate with a connective tissue disorder is it referred to as primary Sjogren's syndrome.
What is it?
Sjogren's syndrome is a widespread autoimmune disorder in which a person's moisture-producing glands are attacked by white blood cells. Such glands are the lacrimal glands that produce tears and salivary and parotid glands that produce saliva for the mouth. The cause of the disorder is unknown, but it is commonly found in people with other connective tissue disorders. Another factor that can increase the chances of having it are if another family member has it, as it is suggested that it may be inherited. Also, approximately nine out of ten people with the disease are female.
What is it?
Sjogren's syndrome is a widespread autoimmune disorder in which a person's moisture-producing glands are attacked by white blood cells. Such glands are the lacrimal glands that produce tears and salivary and parotid glands that produce saliva for the mouth. The cause of the disorder is unknown, but it is commonly found in people with other connective tissue disorders. Another factor that can increase the chances of having it are if another family member has it, as it is suggested that it may be inherited. Also, approximately nine out of ten people with the disease are female.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Sjogren's can vary from person to person. Common signs are difficulty talking/chewing/swallowing, a sore or cracked tongue, and dry throat. A change in taste or smell, increased dental decay, vaginal and skin dryness, digestive problems, and dry nose are other signs. Reduction in the body's ability to produce liquids leads to dry eyes, not enough water for tears, dry mouth, and dry lips. It is also known to cause organ dysfunction such as the kidneys, GI system, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the CNS. It can lead to extreme fatigue and joint pain and a person who has Sjogren's has a higher risk of developing lymphoma. Inflammation of the vessels is less common but a more serious symptom.
How is it diagnosed?
There is no one test that will verify if a person has the disorder. Symptoms can mimic other diseases so a series of tests are needed. Diagnosis is often difficult and it is often after 6.5 years from the onset of symptoms that it might be diagnosed. A visit to the doctor's office where lab work is taken is most common for determining Sjogren's. There they will do tests such as those for ANA (antinuclear antibody), RF (rheumatoid factor), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and immunoglobulin counts. Tests at the opthalmogist office include the Schirmer test (for tear production) and Rose Bengal and Lissamine Green test (eye drops used to see dry spots on eye). Dental tests include those measuring saliva production, salivary scintigraphy (a nuclear medicine test measuring gland function), and biopsy of the salivary gland.
The symptoms of Sjogren's can vary from person to person. Common signs are difficulty talking/chewing/swallowing, a sore or cracked tongue, and dry throat. A change in taste or smell, increased dental decay, vaginal and skin dryness, digestive problems, and dry nose are other signs. Reduction in the body's ability to produce liquids leads to dry eyes, not enough water for tears, dry mouth, and dry lips. It is also known to cause organ dysfunction such as the kidneys, GI system, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the CNS. It can lead to extreme fatigue and joint pain and a person who has Sjogren's has a higher risk of developing lymphoma. Inflammation of the vessels is less common but a more serious symptom.
How is it diagnosed?
There is no one test that will verify if a person has the disorder. Symptoms can mimic other diseases so a series of tests are needed. Diagnosis is often difficult and it is often after 6.5 years from the onset of symptoms that it might be diagnosed. A visit to the doctor's office where lab work is taken is most common for determining Sjogren's. There they will do tests such as those for ANA (antinuclear antibody), RF (rheumatoid factor), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and immunoglobulin counts. Tests at the opthalmogist office include the Schirmer test (for tear production) and Rose Bengal and Lissamine Green test (eye drops used to see dry spots on eye). Dental tests include those measuring saliva production, salivary scintigraphy (a nuclear medicine test measuring gland function), and biopsy of the salivary gland.
How is it treated?
Currently there is no treatment that will cure Sjogren's syndrome. Treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms of the disorder to make the person more comfortable and able to live life fully, and also to prevent complications that may arise or symptoms that may worsen. OTC or prescription drugs and drops are available for the eyes and mouth. Immunosuppressive medications are sometimes prescribed to treat internal organ manifestations for people having organ problems. The vasculitis that sometimes arises is treated with cortisone or prednisone.
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