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Sjogren's Syndrome
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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 Suggestions
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
We Also Suggest:
- Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Your local chapter can provide a listing of physicians who specialize in arthritis-related conditions.
- 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.
- Arthritis Today magazine -- Search for more information or visit Your Arthritis Store to subscribe on-line!
- Your Arthritis Store -- books, newsletters, Arthritis Foundation membership, videos and more.
- Arthritis Today Drug Guide
- Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Arthritis Today Supplement Guide
- Frequently asked questions about arthritis, treatments and coping skills.
- Arthritis in children, teens and young adults. Check out the information for parents and teachers, too!
- How to Care for Yourself
- Remember, you're not alone! Connect with other people on Message Boards.
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