SJÖGREN'S SYNDROME

 Basic information

description

Sjögren's syndrome is one of a group of autoimmune disorders. In these disorders, the immune system by mistake attacks the body itself. Sjögren's syndrome mainly affects the glands that produce moisture, but it can affect the body as a whole. Symptoms may be mild or severe. It occurs mostly in women (about 90% of cases) with an average age of 50.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Dry eyes. It may cause foreign body sensation, gritty feeling, redness, burning, sensitivity to light, itching, feeling that there is a "film" across the field of vision, and eye discharge.
• Dry mouth, nose, and throat. This can cause problems in swallowing and talking, changes in taste, thirst, ulcers (sores), or dental cavities. Nosebleeds, hoarseness, chronic nonproductive cough, ear infection, or other infections may occur.
• Vaginal dryness can cause painful intercourse.
• Dry skin.
• Severe fatigue.
• Parotid glands become enlarged (sometimes referred to as "chipmunk face" or "chipmunk cheeks").
• Joint pain and stiffness.
• Other symptoms include hair loss, low-grade fever, itching skin, and muscle aches or pain.

causes

Unknown. Genetic, immunologic, hormonal, and environmental factors may contribute to its cause. Viral infection may trigger the disorder in some people. It may occur alone or along with other autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, or polymyositis.

risk increases with

• Females over age 50.
• Family history of autoimmune disorders.
• Having other autoimmune disorders.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

No specific preventive measures known.

expected outcomes

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic disorder. Symptoms sometimes stay the same, worsen, or sometimes disappear for a period. Treatment can relieve symptoms and help prevent complications.

possible complications

• Damage to the kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, liver, eyes, pancreas, and brain may occur.
• Children born to some younger women with the disorder may be at risk for heart defects.
• Increased risk of lymphoma (cancer of lymph nodes).

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Medical tests of blood, tear production, saliva production, an eye exam, and others may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
• Treatment is directed to relieving the dryness symptoms and preventing complications.
• Brush and floss teeth daily. Use a fluoride mouthwash. See the dentist for frequent checkups.
• Wear sunglasses when outside to help protect eyes from dust, wind, and strong light. See your eye care provider for regular exams.
• Warm compresses or heating pad may help ease joint pain or swollen gland discomfort.
• To learn more: Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation, 6707 Democracy Blvd., Suite 325, Bethesda, MD 20817; (800) 475-6473; website: www.sjogrens.org.

medications

• Use artificial tears for dry eyes. Use an eye ointment at night. Other drugs for dry eyes may be prescribed.
• Use nonprescription saliva substitutes and mouth-coating products for dry mouth.
• Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants (not petroleum jelly) will help vaginal dryness.
• Use aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for joint pain and muscle aches.
• Avoid decongestants and antihistamines. They can cause dry mouth or eyes.
• Steroids and other drugs may be prescribed.

activity

Mild exercise daily helps keep joints flexible.

diet

• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candies.
• Drink or sip fluids all during the day.
• If mouth soreness prevents eating regular foods, drink high-calorie, high-protein liquid supplements.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome.
• Symptoms worsen or don't improve with treatment.

Special Notes: