Sjogren's syndrome is a long-term autoimmune disease in which the body's moisture-producing glands are affected. This mainly results in the development of a dry mouth and dry eyes. Other symptoms can include dry skin, chronic cough, vaginal dryness, numbness in the arms and legs, feeling tired, muscle and joint pain, and thyroid problems. Those affected have a higher risk (5%) of lymphoma.
What is Sjogren's syndrome
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It is an autoimmune disorder where the same organism attacks the salivary and tear glands, causing the eyes and the mouth to remain dry, as well as having negative repercussions on other organs of the body. This condition can be suffered by people of any age, although it is mostly suffered by people over 40 years of age, with women being the most likely to suffer it.
This can even cause diseases such as lupus (another autoimmune disease, that is, that causes the same organism to attack itself), so that both the skin, such as the kidneys, the heart and the lungs, among other organs, may be affected. It can also trigger one rheumatoid arthritis, characterized by inflammation of the joints. The consequences of what it causes in images of Sjogren's syndrome can be better understood.
This disorder is named by the Swedish ophthalmologist Henrik Sjögren (1899-1986), since his thesis on keratoconjunctivitis served as a fundamental pillar for the discovery of this condition. Between 0.2% and 1.2% of the population are affected, and half have the primary form and half the secondary form. Women are affected approximately ten times more than men and it commonly begins in middle age; however, anyone can be affected. Among those without other autoimmune disorders, life expectancy in Sjogren's syndrome is hopeful, although they will continue to suffer from dryness.
Sjogren's syndrome symptoms
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which causes burning in the eyes and the sensation of a foreign body in them.
- Dry mouth due to not producing enough saliva, causing difficulty in swallowing and consuming solid and dry food.
Decreased sense of taste
- The salivation becomes thick.
- Dry skin with rashes and dry nose.
- The symptoms are not sufficient to make a diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome; In addition, it is necessary to perform a series of tests, such as blood tests, eye exams, diagnostic imaging tests and in other cases, a biopsy.
Possible complications
- This can trigger Sicca syndrome, which also incorporates vaginal dryness and chronic bronchitis.
- The muscles (myositis), kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, liver, biliary system, pancreas, peripheral nervous system (distal axonal sensorimotor neuropathy or peripheral small fiber neuropathy) and the brain are affected.
- In some clinical case Sjogren's syndrome, gastrointestinal or esophageal diseases such as GERD, achlorhydria, gastroparesis, nausea and heartburn can develop.
- Chronic pain accompanied by fatigue and mental confusion.
- Some people can develop Raynaud's disorder, which consists of the narrowing of the blood vessels in the hands and feet, changing their color.
- Swelling or cancer in the lymph nodes.
- Due to dryness, vision problems can develop, and with respect to the mouth, the person can develop cavities and oral candidosis.
Causes of Sjogren's syndrome
While the exact cause is unclear, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic factors and an environmental trigger, such as exposure to a virus or bacteria. It can occur independently of other health problems (primary Sjögren's syndrome) or as a result of another connective tissue disorder (secondary Sjögren's syndrome).
The inflammation that results progressively damages the glands. Diagnosis is by biopsy of the moisture-producing glands and blood tests for specific antibodies. On biopsy, there are usually lymphocytes within the glands.
Emotional causes of Sjogren's syndrome are not ruled out, since it is believed that stress and emotional exhaustion, helps to lower the body's defenses, being more prone to contracting a disease.
Risk factor's
Although anyone can suffer from this disease, it should be noted that:
- It is not as common in young children.
- It manifests itself mostly in people over 40 and 50 years old.
- It is more commonly manifested in women than in men.
- People with a history of autoimmune diseases are at higher risk for it.
- Similarly, those who suffer from a rheumatic disease, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia or gout.
Treatment for Sjogren's syndrome
This syndrome has no known cure. However, there are treatments that can help reduce symptoms so that the patient can improve their quality of life. Treatment is directed at the person's symptoms:
- For dry eyes, artificial tears, medications to reduce inflammation, dotted plugs, or surgery to close the tear ducts can be tried.
- For a dry mouth, gum (preferably unsweetened), sips of water, or a saliva substitute can be used.
- In those with joint or muscle pain, ibuprofen can be used. Medications that can cause dryness, such as antihistamines, can also be stopped.
- For candida infections, drugs with miconazole actives are recommended.
- Similarly, antirheumatic drugs and tumor necrosis inhibitors are recommended.
- In daily habits, it is recommended to drink enough water and avoid drinking liquor.
