Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome From A Patient's Perspective
What is Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva.
It is named after Swedish ophthalmologist Henrik Sjögren (1899–1986) who first described it.
Nine out of ten Sjögren’s patients are women and the average age of onset is late 40s, although Sjögren’s occurs in all age groups in both women and men. It is estimated to strike as many as 4 million people in the United States alone, making it the second most common autoimmune rheumatic disease. Sjögren’s syndrome can exist as a disorder in its own right (Primary Sjögren’s syndrome), or it may develop years after the onset of an associated rheumatic disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, primary biliary cirrhosis, etc. (Secondary Sjögren’s syndrome).
It’s also interesting to note that a lot of occurrences of Sjogrens are found by a dentist. When a patient has Sjogren’s Syndrome saliva is reduced which causes reduced moisture in the mouth leading to more food particles being left behind and more cavities made and also leaving more backteria behind.
Also, in talking with another person who has Sjogrens Syndrome I was made aware that it not only reduces tears and saliva, but moisture in various places in the body. If a woman is facing drastically reduced lubrication in her eyes, mouth, or other areas of her body she should be checked out for Sjogren’s Syndrome. Often times these problems can be helped by using eye drops, drinking more liquids when eating, and purchasing personal lubrication for women. There is also special toothpaste that is recommended and other products available as well. No one should feel miserable because of Sjogren’s Syndrome.
Who knew that this disease affects some 4 million people in America? That makes me wonder how many cases are undiagnosed and therefor go untreated.
I look forward to learning more about Sjoren’s Syndrome as additional information continues to surface.
I’m curious, how is it typically treated?