Sjögren's syndrome Mate a Sjogren
Sjögren's syndrome (pronounced 'show grins') is a long-term condition that mainly affects the glands that make tears and saliva. But it can also affect your joints, muscles, nerves and other organs. It is much more common in women and usually occurs after the age of 40.
Causes of Sjögren’s syndrome
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition. This means it is caused by the cells in your body that fight infection. In Sjögren’s, these infection-fighting cells also attack your own cells, and this creates inflammation and damage to tissues.
Sjögren’s can occur together with another autoimmune condition, for example:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- scleroderma
- lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus).
Symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome
The main symptoms are dry eyes and a dry mouth. But when other parts of your body are affected, it can cause a wide range of symptoms.
Complications of Sjögren's syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome can cause serious problems with some of major organs in your body. This may lead to serious conditions including:
- lung diseases, for example pneumonia
- liver problems, for example an inflamed liver (hepatitis)
- kidney damage
- an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)
- an increased risk of some blood cancers.
Diagnosing Sjögren’s syndrome
Your healthcare provider will diagnose Sjögren's based on your ongoing symptoms. It can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms change over time.
You may need to have blood tests and special eye and saliva tests.
Self care for Sjögren's syndrome
As with all autoimmune conditions it is important to look after your general health by:
You can help avoid or relieve some of the eye, skin and mouth symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome by:
- using lubricant eye drops
- wearing sunglasses
- using sunscreen
- using a moisturiser to avoid your skin becoming dry
- looking after your mouth and teeth with regular brushing and flossing.
Treating Sjögren's syndrome
There is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome. But there are things you can do to help manage your symptoms, including taking:
- eye drops to help with dry eyes
- medications that increase your saliva to help with dry mouth.
If you also have joint problems or other complications, you may need medications for inflammatory arthritis.
Medications for inflammatory arthritis
You will need to have regular eye checks and dental checks.