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Sjogren's Syndrome - Sjogren's Syndrome symptom, treatment, causes

Sjogren's Syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by dryness of the mouth, eyes, and various other body membranes. Sjogren's syndrome is an AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASE (in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack one or more of the body's own tissues), but why the abnormal immune reaction develops is unknown. Secondary Sjogren's syndrome may develop in other autoimmune diseases such as RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, systemic LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS and SCLERODERMA.

Sjogren's syndrome (show-GRENS SIN-drome) is an autoimmune disease that causes dry eyes and a dry mouth. Yet Sjogren's syndrome is more than just a simple set of symptoms. It's a disease that often accompanies other autoimmune disorders rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and others. These rheumatic diseases are marked by inflammation of your connective tissues, and it's common for people with Sjogren's syndrome to also have a connective tissue disorder. Sjogren's syndrome specifically attacks its own moisture-producing glands, for example, the tear glands and the salivary glands. Sometimes other organs of the body may be affected, for example, the kidneys, liver, pancreas, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. Sjogren's syndrome may be classified as either primary or secondary. Primary Sjogren's syndrome occurs alone, whereas secondary occurs along with another disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Sjogren's syndrome is an inflammatory condition in which the immune system destroys cells in exocrine glands, most commonly the tear and salivary glands. Patients with this condition may notice irritation, a gritty feeling, or painful burning in the eyes. Dry mouth or difficulty eating dry foods, and swelling of the glands around the face and neck are also common. Some patients experience dryness of other mucous membranes (such as the nasal passages, throat, and vagina) and skin. This can lead to problems from difficulty swallowing to dental cavities to light-sensitive eyes to corneal ulcers. Sjogren's syndrome can also result in damage to tissues of your lungs, kidneys and liver. Although you can develop Sjogren's syndrome at any age, most people are older than 40 at diagnosis. The condition is nine times as likely to occur in women as in men. There's no cure for Sjogren's syndrome, but treatments can relieve many of the symptoms.

Sjogren's syndrome affects about I in 2000 people, most of them women. The disorder mainly affects secretory glands, particularly salivary and tear glands, but in some patients other organs and tissues may become involved and their functions disturbed.

Symptom of Sjogren's Syndrome

Symptoms may occur in bouts separated by long periods when theyare mild or absent. Often the first complaint is recurrent tender swelling of one or both of the parotid salivary glands, which may be mistaken for mumps. Dry mouth and eyes may become persistent problems if inflammation gradually destroys more of the salivary and tear glands. Decreased saliva may cause difficulty in chewing and swallowing, and makes tooth decay more likely. Dry eyes increase the risk of inflammation of the conjunctive and cornea. Dryness may develop in the nose, throat, larynx (voice box), lungs hid vagina, leading to increased likelihood of infection in these tissues. About a third of patients develop bouts of arthritis. Occasionally persistent inflammationin other organs may cause HEPATITIS, CHOLECYSTITIS, PANCREATITIS or NEPHRITIS, and sometimes blood of vessel inflammation or nerve disorders. Some common Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome :

• Swelling
• Dry cough
• Fatigue
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
• Fever.
• Dry eyes/mouth.
• Vaginal dryness.
• Dental cavities.
• Dry nose, throat and lungs.
• Oral yeast infections, su

Diagnosis and Treatment of Sjogren's Syndrome

If Sjogren's syndrome is suspected, it can be confimled by finding, typical autoimmune antibodies in the blood, Treatment includes keeping the mouth moist by frequent sips of water and chewing sugarless gum, regular dental checks, artificial tears by day and ointments at night for dry eyes, and moisturise for skin. Sufferers should avoid secretion drying medications such as decongestants and antihistamines. In flare-ups, CORTICO STEROI DDRUGSmay be needed to suppress inflammation.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): This group of medications, which includes aspirin, helps relieve both pain and inflammation.
• Have frequent dental checkups.
• 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.
• Try lubricating ointments or small, long-acting pellets for overnight or long-lasting relief.
• For dry skin, use moisturizers.
• For dry eyes, use artificial tears, eye ointments.
• For vaginal dryness, use lubricating jelly.
• Use mouth rinses that contain fluoride.
• Saline nasal sprays can help keep the inside of the nose moist. Decongestant sprays should be avoided, as these can worsen the dryness.

Causes of Sjogren's Syndrome

The common Causes of Sjogren's Syndrome

• Researchers believe Sjogren's syndrome is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
• Patients with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus often also have Sjogren's syndrome.
• A person who has a Sjogren's-associated gene gets a viral infection.
• Viral infections.
• Heredity.
• Hormones.

Outlook of Sjogren's Syndrome

Treatment must usually be continued for life to relieve symptoms and prevent complica tions, but Sjogren's syndrome generally does not shorten life. As with systemic lupus erythematosus, pregnancies should be planned to begin during remission of symptoms, and should be closely monitored.