April is Sjögren's Syndrome Awareness Month and because it affects over four million people in the U.S. alone, more awareness is needed about this disorder.
Autoimmune Disease
Sjögren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own moisture-producing glands by mistake.
It is one of the most common autoimmune disorders and nine out of 10 patients are women. Most people get the condition in their late 40s but all ages can be afflicted.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome may include dry, gritty eyes that burn; a dry mouth with a sore, cracked tongue; a dry or burning throat; trouble swallowing, chewing or talking; a change in sense of taste or smell; an increase in cavities; dry nose; and dry skin. The condition can lead to incapacitating fatigue and joint pain.
The systematic disease can also affect organs like the kidneys, liver, lungs and pancreas as well as blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system.
Some people are able to cope well when the symptoms are mild but one's quality of life can be seriously affected when the symptoms are more serious.
About half of those affected have "Primary Sjögren's" where the patient has just Sjögren's syndrome. The other half has "Secondary Sjögren's" where the patient also has another connective tissue disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and polymyositis/dermatomyositis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome can be a challenge because the symptoms do not always warrant a trip to the doctor or the doctor may not attribute the patient's symptoms with the disease. It can take up to six years to get a proper diagnosis from the time symptoms first appear.
There is no test to diagnose Sjögren's but a set of objective criteria has been developed to identify it. Measures such as patient interviews, blood work, a lip biopsy and tests to determine salivary and lachrymal (tear) production are used by doctors to make a diagnosis.
Treatment
Symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications and exercise. Using a humidifier helps, as do goggles or other protective eyewear. To alleviate symptoms, patients can use artificial tears without preservatives, saline nasal sprays, artificial saliva, unscented skin lotions and vaginal lubricants.
Patients seek treatment mainly from rheumatologists but dentists and ophthalmologists can also be helpful in treating Sjögren's syndrome.
Help is Available
The Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation, founded in 1983, supports research for treatments and an eventual cure through memberships and fundraising. The group provides information and coping strategies and is a recognized advocate for those with the disease.
The Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation sponsors over 100 Sjögren's support groups throughout North America that provide Sjögren's syndrome patients the opportunity to share their experiences with one another and help each other cope with living with the disease.
Learn More
With so many people affected by Sjögren's syndrome and with the symptoms being similar to many other afflictions, it is important for people to become knowledgeable about this autoimmune disease that can be easily treated when caught early. The Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation is an excellent resource for more information and support materials.
Jackie Pearase - I am a small town journalist with big-city writing skills. I am extremely capable of writing interesting and well-researched articles on ...
