Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune system disease. Roughly 4 million Americans currently live with the condition, according to the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation (n.d.).
Although people of all ages and both genders can develop Sjogren's syndrome, 90 percent of those diagnosed are women, and most patients are diagnosed in their late 40s, reports the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation (n.d.).
When Sjogren's disease takes hold, white blood cells mistake moisture-producing glands--like the salivary and lacrimal (tear) glands--for invaders, and attack. Damaged glands can no longer produce moisture, which leads to the most prominent Sjogren's syndrome symptoms: dry mouth and dry eyes. Sjogren's syndrome can also affect the airways, sinuses, skin and vaginal region.
In about half of all cases, Sjogren's disease occurs by itself, which classified as "primary Sjogren's syndrome." In other cases, Sjogren’s occurs in concert with other autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. This is called "secondary Sjogren's syndrome."
Common symptoms of Sjogren's disease are:
Sufferers may experience some or all of these symptoms.
Scientists aren’t sure why some people develop Sjogren's syndrome. Certain genes may predispose people to Sjogren's syndrome, but it seems an additional viral or bacterial infection is necessary to cause the disease to flare up.
It’s not easy to diagnose Sjogren's disease, and the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation (n.d.) reports that the average time from first symptoms to diagnosis is six and a half years. Because Sjogren's syndrome symptoms vary considerably, and can mimic the symptoms of other conditions, like allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, menopause, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, it can be difficult to diagnose. In addition, Sjogren's syndrome symptoms affect many different body systems, so dentists, eye doctors and physicians may treat symptoms individually.
Techniques used to diagnose Sjogren's syndrome include:
Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic condition, although some patients may go into remission and the severity of symptoms varies.
Treatment concentrates on relieving Sjogren's syndrome symptoms and can include the following:
Sjogren's syndrome is a serious disease, although it is generally not fatal if complications are promptly addressed. However, patients with Sjogren's disease are at an increased risk of developing lymphoma, according to the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation (n.d.).
Harvard Medical School. (n.d.). Salivary gland disorders. Retrieved September 27, 2010, from http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtPrint/WSIHW000/9339/31106.html?hide=t
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