Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome, pronounced 'show-grins' is so named after a Swedish Ophthalmologist Henrik Sjogren (1899-1986) who was the first to identify the condition.

Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic disorder of the immune system, an autoimmune condition in which white blood cells attack moisture producing glands in the body, causing the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy part's of the body that normally produces fluids like saliva or tears. This can create symptoms of a persistent dry mouth which can lead to a dry cough and tooth decay, sore throat, difficulty speaking, dry eyes and dry skin.

With Sjogren's, the body's immune system which would normally defend our bodies against infections is causing damage to healthy parts of our body.

Primary Sjogren's means that it starts alone and there is no other condition involved, or secondary Sjogren's, which has developed in addition with other autoimmune disorders such as Systemic Lupus Erythematous and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Sjogren's can start at any age but is more commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 40 and many men are often under diagnosed.

Sjogren's Syndrome Versus Fibromyalgia

With Sjogren's Syndrome, the immune system can attack other parts of the body, causing symptoms similar to Fibromyalgia and include, stiffness and inflammation of joints, aching muscles, peripheral neuropathy or pain and tingling in the arms, swollen painful salivary glands under the jaw, vasculitis, inflammation of blood vessels, fatigue and brain fog.

How is Sjogren's Syndrome Diagnosed?

A Rheumatologist has the responsibility of diagnosing, testing and treatment of Sjogren's and can ask the right questions about symptoms.

Sjogren's syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can mimic other autoimmune conditions. Certain medications can also mimic symptoms of Sjogren's, so your rheumatologist can do tests which can help to rule out other conditions.

Your doctor can do blood tests to look for the presence of antibodies which is common with Sjogren's, and they can look for evidence of inflammatory conditions which have similar symptoms.

A Shirmer tear test can be performed, which is a piece of filter paper placed on the edge of your eyes to test your tear production.

Treatment for Sjogren's Syndrome

Although there is no cure for Sjogren's syndrome, eye drops and ointment can be used for the eyes to keep them moist. These can be bought without prescription but should be used with care as eye drops can cause problems with the eyes if used frequently.

A saliva stimulating gel can be bought from the pharmacy for putting in your mouth to keep it moist.

Chewing a sugar-free gum can help with a dry mouth, and if you can suck on an ice cube, that can help.

Practice good oral hygiene and clean the teeth at least twice a day. Ensure usage of antibacterial mouthwash. Regular check-ups at the dentist will be needed to check for tooth decay.

Diet is important to Sjogren's and needs to be rich in fruits, vegetable's and lean protein. It is best to avoid alcohol, processed foods, gluten and dairy products and drink plenty of water.

Sjogren's Syndrome Experience

I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematous Sjogren's Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Reynauds fifteen years ago after struggling with chronic joint pains, fatigue and other problems for many years without diagnosis.

When I have a Sjogren's flare, I struggle to open my eyes in the mornings. The first time I really noticed it, I could not open my eyes at all because my eye sockets were so dry and my eyeballs were rolled to the back of my head. I eventually opened my eyes, but they felt like they had grit in them and my vision was blurred. I use eye drops to keep my eyes moist and at night I use an eye ointment before going to sleep.

My mouth gets very dry and when I wake up in the morning my throat is dry and causes me to have a horrendous sore throat which makes it difficult to swallow. I use a saliva creating gel, which can be bought at a chemist or prescribed by your doctor.

The glands under my jaw are often swollen and tender and are sore to the touch. I also experience tingling pains down my arms due to nerve damage and stiffening joint pains which affect my feet, legs arms and hands.

I have digestion problems and avoid gluten, dairy, processed foods and sugars which has all helped my stomach from bloating and being in pain and stick an anti-inflammatory diet.

Get Tested

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Sjogren's I have mentioned here, it is better to get a proper diagnosis. Sjogren's is a serious condition that needs proper management and treatment to prevent tissue damage and further complications. Do not ignore the symptoms of Sjogren's, even if they seem mild. Also remember that a dry mouth and dry eyes does not always mean that you have Sjogren's syndrome.