Know About Sjogren's syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome is one of those health related problems which are caused by autoimmune disorders. In this syndrome, the immunity system of a patient begins to behave in an adverse way by destroying some vital glands of the body such as salivary glands and tear glands. In some cases, some crucial organs of the body such as liver, kidney, blood vessels, pancreas and lungs can be affected by this syndrome. This syndrome can be divided into two types. One is Primary Sjogren's syndrome and another is Secondary Sjogren's syndrome. Primary Sjogren's syndrome does not come along with another disease whereas Secondary Sjogren's syndrome is always associated with another disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the second one is more lethal than the first one.

This syndrome derives its name from the name of a Swedish ophthalmologist Henrik Sjogren who first described various facets of this disease. Women who are above forty are susceptible to this disease.

Causes of Sjogren's syndrome:

The exact cause of Sjogren's syndrome has not been pinpointed yet. However, it is reckoned that genetic disorder can be the cause of this syndrome. Environmental factors can trigger the occurrence of this syndrome as well. Viral or bacterial infection can be another cause of this syndrome. This kind of infection may deter the immunity system from functioning properly.

Symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome:

The symptoms of this syndrome can vary from person to person. Some of the hallmark symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are dryness in eyes and mouth. A patient can experience itchiness and a feeling of burning sensation in his eyes. Dryness in mouth may lead to many complications. One can face difficulties while talking, swallowing and chewing. Apart from that, dryness can affect ones nose, skin and some other parts of the body. A female can face vaginal dryness. Blood vessels, liver, brain and kidneys can be affected by this syndrome. Sore can appear on tongue and a patient can face digestive problems as well. These are some of the potent signs of Sjogren's syndrome. One can suffer from acute pain in joints. Dental problems, weariness etc are some of the common signs of it.

In the long run, a person can face problems in leading a normal life. Depression and isolation can emerge as a result of this disease.

If a person is suffering from secondary Sjogren's syndrome, he can be attacked by another fatal disease. This can make it very difficult to determine whether a person is affected by this syndrome or not. Defects in urinary concentrating, distal renal tubular acidosis and proteinuria are some of the other common symptoms of this disease. Some patient may suffer from lymphoid malignancy.

Treatment for Sjogren's syndrome

It is impossible to cure or prevent the occurrence of Sjogren's syndrome but treatments have been evolved to bring down the severity of its symptoms. The treatment procedure is formulated depending upon the symptoms. If a person is suffering from dry eyes, artificial tears can be given in that situation. Mouth lubricants or Saliva stimulants can be used to eradicate the symptoms of dry mouth. When a patient is suffering from acute pain in the muscles or in the joints, anti-inflammatory drugs can be used for generating better result. For dealing with the problems of kidneys, lung and blood vessels, immunosuppressive drugs or Corticosteroids can be applied.

Before starting treatment, it should be corroborate that the person is suffering from Sjogren's syndrome. Blood test can help in this situation immensely. The presence of high level of anti-bodies in blood can confirm the fact that a person is suffering from this disease. The Schirmer test and slit-lamp examination can be conducted for determining whether a person is suffering from dryness in eyes or not. The diagnosis of this syndrome can be conducted by following a radiological procedure. Practitioners can apply anticholinergic drugs for getting better result. Musculoskeletal symptoms can be treated successfully by using some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Antirheumatic drugs such as methotrexate can be used for reducing some symptoms of this disease.

Advice:

As this disease is incurable, proper care and caution must be taken to lessen the impact of this syndrome. The advice of an experienced medical practitioner can be taken for generating better result.