An overview of Sjogren’s syndrome

Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at 5:17 pm Post in Eye Diseases

The Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation points out that 90% out of 4 million patients who have the disease are women, since older women beyond menopause are susceptible to it. Sjogren’s syndrome affects moist and lubricated eyes and mouth by damaging related glands, resulting in dry eyes.

Other symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome include unusual dryness in the vaginal area, dry sinuses and frequent sinus infections, dry and sore mouth, inability to chew and swallow properly, dry and sore skin etc… Burry vision, eye burning sensation, grittiness and light sensitivity are also possible signs of Sjogren’s syndrome.

There are still various side effects caused by Sjogren’s syndrome. Extreme eye dryness may damage surface tissue of cornea and conjunctiva, leading to scarring and infection. Blepharitis can be caused by irritation and inflammation of the eyelid glands. Dry mouth can lead to rapid tooth decay or loss, unless you use artificial saliva lubricants to moisten your mouth. Other potential diseases that can be caused by Sjogren’s syndrome include lymphoma, swollen or enlarged lymph nodes and vasculitis.

In its secondary form, Sjogren’s syndrome is always accompanied by other autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus and thyroiditis, which cause inflammatory effects in different organs. These abnormal immune responses may be inherited or caused by viral or bacterial infections. Sjogren’s syndrome is sometimes associated with celiac disease. Other reasons that may contribute to dry eye include an arid environment, certain medications and improper contact lenses.

The diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome involves various tests. A five-minute testing of the tears amount of the eye using a strip of test paper in the corner of your eye can evaluate the degree of dry eye. Vital dye staining can also measure eye dryness. Antinuclear antibodies such as SS-A and SS-B can be discovered using a simple blood test if a patient has Sjogren’s syndrome. A tissue sample from a salivary gland of your lip can be used to analyze the amount and quality of saliva produced in your mouth.

Prolonged artificial tears or ointments treatments can ease dry eye caused by Sjogren’s syndrome. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can be used to treat pain or inflammation, and immunosuppressant will be effective for extreme Sjogren’s syndrome.

Symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome can be relieved in various ways. Different parts of the body need different solutions: water and sugarless gum for moist mouth, artificial tears for wet eyes, saline spray for nose, and humidified air for moist skin.