Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome is a disorder of your immune system identified by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth.
Sjogren's syndrome often accompanies other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Sjogren's syndrome, the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting in decreased production of tears and saliva.
Although you can develop Sjogren's syndrome at any age, most people are older than 40 at the time of diagnosis. The condition is much more common in women. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
The two main symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are:
Some people with Sjogren's syndrome also experience one or more of the following:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. This means that your immune system mistakenly attacks your body's own cells and tissues.
Scientists aren't certain why some people develop Sjogren's syndrome and others don't. Certain genes put people at higher risk of the disorder, but it appears that a triggering mechanism — such as infection with a particular virus or strain of bacteria — is also necessary.
In Sjogren's syndrome, your immune system first targets the moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth. But it can also damage other parts of your body, such as your:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Sjogren's syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms vary from person to person and can be similar to those caused by other diseases. Side effects of a number of medications also mimic some signs and symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome.
A variety of tests can help rule out other conditions and help pinpoint a diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome.
Your doctor may order blood tests to check for:
Your doctor can measure the dryness of your eyes with a test called a Schirmer tear test. In this test, a small piece of filter paper is placed under your lower eyelid to measure your tear production.
A doctor specializing in the treatment of eye disorders (ophthalmologist) may also examine the surface of your eyes with a magnifying device called a slit lamp. He or she may place drops in your eye that make any damage to your cornea easier to see.
Certain imaging tests can check the function of your salivary glands.
Your doctor may also want to do a lip biopsy to detect the presence of clusters of inflammatory cells, which can indicate Sjogren's syndrome. For this test, a small sliver of tissue is removed from salivary glands located in your lip and examined under a microscope.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
The most common complications of Sjogren's syndrome involve your eyes and mouth.
Less common complications may affect your:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Many symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome respond well to self-care measures.
To relieve dry eyes:
To help with dry mouth:
Dry mouth increases your risk of dental cavities and tooth loss. The following precautions may help prevent those types of problems.
If dry skin is a problem, avoid hot water when you bathe and shower. Pat your skin — don't rub — with a towel and apply moisturizer when your skin is still damp. Use rubber gloves when doing dishes or housecleaning. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants help women who experience vaginal dryness.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Although anyone can develop Sjogren's syndrome, it typically occurs in people with one or more known risk factors. These include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
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