Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) can co-exist with other types of autoimmune diseases and is especially common in people who suffer autoimmune thyroid diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. The severity of the disease varies among patients who have it and in some cases, it can become disabling. There are however, treatments available that can lessen the effects of symptoms and in some cases reverse them into near-remission.
Sjogren’s Syndrome Dries-Out the Body
Sjogren’s syndrome (pronounced "show-grins") affects the fluid producing ducts and glands of the body, as well as mucous membranes in the body. When a person has SS, the immune system has sent out killer cells, called antibodies, to attack these mechanisms of the body that produce lubricating fluids and membranes. This, results in these fluids and membranes becoming dry, so that the parts of the body that contain them may also become inflamed.
The areas of the body that can be affected by SS include:
- the tear ducts in the eyes
- the saliva ducts under the tongue
- the sinuses
- the skin
- the digestive system
- in women, the vagina is also commonly affected
Some patients are affected in only one or two areas of the body, such as the mouth or eyes, but the disease can also become systemic (body-wide).
Symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome
In addition to patients experiencing dryness in the parts of the body listed above, SS can also result in fatigue, joint pain, digestive problems, skin rashes, muscle weakness, dental cavities and neuropathies (nervous system symptoms). In fact, SS can affect any organ in the body if it is chronic and severe, including the blood vessels. People with SS also tend to develop lung infections more easily. Cold and flu viruses will often result in bronchitis.
Diagnosing Sjogren’s Syndrome
In addition to the symptoms that lead a doctor to suspect Sjogren’s syndrome, there are also blood tests that help to detect SS and other medical tests that can lead to a diagnosis. These blood tests include ones to detect antibodies that cause the autoimmune disease, referred to as the “SSA and SSB” antibodies tests.
Doctors may also order a blood tests to detect systemic auto-antibodies, referred to as the Antinuclear Antibodies or the “ANA.” A blood test for inflammation may also be ordered, called the “ESR,” which helps to detect inflammatory reactions that might be present in the body. Some patients who have SS in more localized areas of the body may test negative, yet still have the disease.
For patients suspected of having SS affecting the mouth, some doctors will have a biopsy performed on saliva gland tissue. A special type of absorbent paper may also be used to test patients whose eyes are specifically affected. The paper is placed on the tear ducts of the eyes and the amount of tear fluid can be observed to see if inadequate amounts are being produced.
Treatment for Sjogren’s Syndrome
There is no specific treatment for this autoimmune disease and so the treatment is to reduce the effects of the bodily symptoms it causes. For patients who experience dry eyes, doctors may prescribe synthetic tear solutions or pharmaceutical grade eye drops to help keep the eyes lubricated.
The same is true of patients with dry sinuses; nose drops may be prescribed to help moisturize the dry tissues in the nose and sinus passages.
Patients with joint pain may be prescribed medications to treat arthritic and rheumatic symptoms. For those patients with chronic and severe inflammation, a corticosteroid may be prescribed to reduce the inflammation, such as the commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory called “Prednisone.”
Patients who are experiencing the previously-described symptoms should consult with their physician, to see if he recommends testing for Sjogren’s syndrome. This is especially true in patients who are already experiencing other autoimmune diseases.
Sources:
Jim Lowrance - James M. (Jim) Lowrance has authored over 100 book and ebook publications since year 2004.
