Sjogren’s Syndrome Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Sjogren’s Syndrome?

It is an autoimmune disorder wherein the glands responsible for making tears and saliva are damaged. Such tends to source dry eyes and dry mouth. The disorder can also target other parts of your body such as lungs and kidneys.

What Causes Sjogren’s Syndrome?

What serves as the basis to root the disorder tends to remain a mystery. Though, Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder wherein the body itself destroys the healthy tissues erroneously.
Sjogren’s syndrome is commonly observed in women between the ages of forty and fifty. Rarely, the disorder targets children.

What Are The Symptoms Of Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Common and prominent symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome include dry mouth and dry eyes.

Throat And Mouth Symptoms:
1. Hoarseness.
2. Mouth sores.
3. Stringy or thick saliva.
4. Mouth pain.
5. Difficulty to speak.
6. Loss of taste.
7. Difficulty to eat or swallow.
8. Loss of sense.
Eye Symptoms:
1. Feeling of something in your eye.
2. Itching eyes.
Few Other Symptoms Of Sjogren’s Syndrome Are:
Swollen glands.
Joint swelling or joint pain.
Fatigue.
Change in your feet or hands color.
Fever.

What Are The Potential Complications Of Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Few Complications Associated With Sjogren’s Syndrome Include:

Kidney failure (in rare cases).
Dental cavities.
Eye damage.
Pulmonary infections.
Lymphoma.
Vasculitis (in rare instances).

How Is Sjogren’s Syndrome Diagnosed?

A simple physical exam during your visit will reveal dry mouth and eye. In order to confirm the diagnoses Sjogren’s syndrome, your doctor can suggest the following tests:

Tear test.
Antinuclear antibodies test.
Slit lamp examination (eyes).
Salivary gland biopsy.
Schirmer’s test.

How Is Sjogren’s Syndrome Treated?

Its treatment aims to ease the symptoms. Disease modifying drugs (DMARDs) may help with the purpose. Have a look to the treatment options and what one can do to manage dry eyes and dry mouth.

For Dry Eyes You Have The Following Treatment Options:

1. Cyclosoporine liquid.
2. Ointments.
3. Eye-lubricating.
4. Artificial tears.
5. Placement of minute plugs in your tear drainage ducts.

For Dry Mouth, Visit Your Dentist And Ask Regarding:

1. The best mouth rinses that can help restore your teeth minerals.
2. Medicines that will help the salivary glands produce extra saliva.
3. Saliva substitutes.

Mouth Dryness Can Lead To Dental Decay, Thus, In Order To Prevent Dryness In Your Mouth:

1. Regular flossing and brushing your teeth is necessary.
2. Regular dental checkups and dental cleanings must be ensured.
Lifestyle Changes:

Certain lifestyle changes can also help you cope and manage the symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome such as:

Drink as much water as you can throughout the day.
Avoid consuming alcohol and quit cigarette smoking.
Chew sugarless gum.
Do not take medicines known to root dry mouth for example decongestants and antihistamines.