Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's Syndrome

 

 

What Is It?
What Are the Symptoms?
What Causes It?
What Are the Effects?
How Is It Diagnosed?
Treatment Options
Who Is At Risk?
Cautions
Resources and SuggestionsHYPERLINK "http://www.arthritis.org/AFStore/StartRead.asp?idProduct=3335"
More Information About Sjogren's Syndrome

What Is It?

Sjogren's syndrome (show-GRENS SIN-drome) is an autoimmune disease that causes dry eyes and a dry mouth.

What Are the Symptoms?

Dry eyes/mouth

Swelling

Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Dry cough

Cavities

Oral yeast infections

Dry nose, throat and lungs

Fatigue

What Causes It?

Although cause is unknown, heredity, viral infection and hormones may be contributing factors.

What Are the Effects?

In Sjogren's the body's defense system turns against itself and attacks glands that produce moisture. Sjogren's occurs in two forms:

Primary occurs alone, not associated with any other disease.

Secondary occurs with rheumatic diseases such as polymyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus

How Is It Diagnosed?

Medical exam

Lab tests

Chest X-rays

Lip biopsy

Schirmer test/slit-lamp exam (measures dryness of eyes)

Urine test (for kidney function)

Treatment Options

Medications: aspirin, plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), NSAIDs

Exercise

For dry mouth, sip water throughout the day; seek treatment for oral yeast infections; use saliva substitutes; and have frequent dental visits to prevent cavities.

For dry eyes, use artificial tears, eye ointments.

For dry skin, use moisturizers

For vaginal dryness, use lubricating jelly

Who Is At Risk?

It primarily affects women over the age of 45 and rarely affects anyone under age 20.

Cautions

If you are a woman with Sjogren's syndrome and plan to become pregnant, you should check with your doctor. He may check for an antibody that can cause heart problems in newborn babies.

More Information About Sjogren's Syndrome

Resources and Suggestions

Visit Your Arthritis Store to request the free Sjogren's Syndrome brochure.

Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation Inc.
1-800-475-6473
http://www.sjogrens.org

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Learn to manage your condition -- get involved! Exciting events, volunteer activities and programs, such as the Arthritis Self-Help Course, support groups and exercise programs (consult your physician). Use the Chapter Locator to find activities near you.

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