Sjogren's Syndrome - Symptoms & Treatment

Sjogren's Syndrome is a disease of immune system in which white blood cells destroy and attack the exocrine glands that make saliva and tears. Sjogren's syndrome classically characterised a combination of dry eyes, dry mouth, and another disease of the connective tissues, most commonly rheumatoid arthritis. It may affect nose, skin, or dryness and other organs of the body such as blood vessels, liver, brain, kidneys, lungs and pancreas. This disease is commonly found in women.

Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome

Symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome can involve the glands, as above, but there are also possible affects of the illness involving other organs of the body, other symptoms are :

• The mouth normally contains saliva, which aids chewing and swallowing.
• Eyes may feel dry, "gritty" or "sandy". They may burn and look red.
• Inflammation of the salivary glands can lead to mouth dryness, swallowing difficulties, dental decay, gum disease , mouth sores and swelling, stones and/or infection of parotid gland inside of the cheeks.
• Dryness of the respiratory tract leads to epistaxis, hoarseness, chronic nonproductive cough, recurrent otitis media, and increased incidence of respiratory infections.
• A common disease that is occasionally associated with Sjogren's syndrome is autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis).

Causes of Sjogren's Syndrome

There is no main cause found by the researchers, but it can associate by combination of factors such as hormones, bacterial infection, heredity, viral and the nervous system. Other causes are include:

• The exact cause is unknown.
• With Sjogren's syndrome, the body's immune system stops working properly. The immune system's job is to fight off germs and disease. However, with Sjogren's syndrome the immune system attacks healthy tissues and the glands that produce moisture in the body.
• It is not known what triggers this process, though it may be a result of a virus or stress.
• Some people with Sjogren's syndrome have other family members with it.
• Since it often affects women after their childbearing years, there may be a link between Sjogren's syndrome and hormones. Hormones are substances produced by the body that help different organs run normally. Certain hormones allow women to be able to get pregnant. Estrogen is an example of a hormone.

Treatment of Sjogren's Syndrome

Medications such as aspirin may help to relieve inflammation and pain. The Treatment of Sjogrens Syndrome are listed below:

• Chew sugarless gum or candy to encourage your glands to produce saliva.
• Avoid eating foods that can dry or irritate your mouth, such as nuts, chocolate, strong cheeses, and shellfish. Avoid having drinks with caffeine in them, such as coffee or tea, or alcohol.
• There are also mouthwashes and sprays you can use if your mouth is very dry.
• Lack of saliva can cause cavities in your teeth. To prevent cavities go to your dentist for regular checkups, brush your teeth right after eating, and floss them a couple of times a day.
• Avoid smoking as it can damage your mouth, nose, eyes and lungs.
• To keep your skin from getting too dry use a humidifier in your home. Avoid drafts from air conditioners, heaters and radiators when possible.
• Use creams and lotions to keep your skin from drying out. Lanolin cream, light mineral oil, petroleum jelly, cocoa butter lotion or baby oil work well at keeping your skin moist.
• Surgery may be preferred by the doctor to control the disease.
• To help relieve respiratory dryness, stress the need to humidify home and work environments.