Syndrome; What you need to know about Sjogren's and # 039

Updated 27 June 2014.

Sjogren's Syndrome Basics:

Sjögren's syndrome is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that can occur as a primary disease or other rheumatic disease as a secondary condition, with other rheumatic diseases.

In 1900, Henrik Sjögren, a Swedish doctor described women with symptoms of chronic arthritis who also had dry eyes and dry mouth. The syndrome is named after Dr. Sjögren. Since then, he learned more about the syndrome and how to treat it.

Cause of Sjogren's syndrome:

The cause of Sjogren's syndrome is unknown. However, it is recognized as an autoimmune disease according to the American College of Rheumatology, genetic factors and viral infections may increase the risk of developing the syndrome. Hormones may also be a factor.

The symptoms associated with Sjogren's syndrome:

According to the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation (SSF) can be symptoms are:

• Dry eyes can also feel gritty or burning
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing and speaking
• Cracked or sore tongue
• Dry, sore throat
• Difference in taste or smell
• Caries
• Oral yeast infections
• Joint pain
• Indigestion
• Dry nose and skin
• Swollen glands around the face
• Run-down

The symptoms associated with the results of physical examination and some diagnostic tests, assist in the formulation of a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. No evidence alone confirmed the diagnosis.

The diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome:

Tests to confirm the diagnosis, but are not conclusive and of itself. A review of a complete medical need.

• Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test - 70 percent of patients who tested positive for ANA Sjogren, but the antibodies can be present in healthy people, too.
• SSA (anti-Ro) and SSB (anti-La) - antibody found only in patients with Sjogren's syndrome. But not all patients Sjögren test positive for it.
• Rheumatoid factor - 60 to 70 percent of patients, Sjögren a positive rheumatoid factor.
• Increased normal blood proteins in Sjögren - immunoglobulins
• Eye or tooth special tests may be ordered.

The treatment of Sjögren's syndrome:

Treatment of Sjogren focused on reducing symptoms. Dry eyes can be helped stimulate with artificial tears or drugs for tear production (eg Restasis). (Pellets placed on the eyelid) Lacriserts is another treatment for dry eye.

Plenty of water, chewing gum or saliva substitute to help dry mouth. Salagen and Evoxac are two drugs that stimulate the production of saliva. Moisturizers for dry can be used with Sjögren's syndrome skin diseases. Lubricant can treat vaginal dryness.

The anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, NSAIDs, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants) are required.

Prevalence of Sjögren's syndrome:

After the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation Sjogren's syndrome is the most common autoimmune diseases, affecting as many as 4 million Americans. Ninety percent of patients with Sjögren's syndrome are women. The average age of onset is 40 years older, but men, women and children can develop Sjogren's syndrome at any age.

Attractions in Sjögren's syndrome:

Sjögren's syndrome questionnaire:

_Sources:

_{What is Sjogren's Syndrome? On Sjögren's Syndrome. Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation. February 26, 2007}

_{Sjogren's syndrome. April 2004 American College of Rheumatology. February 26, 2007}

_{Sjogren's syndrome. Disease Center. Arthritis Foundation. February 26, 2007}