July 5, 2011
Fact Sheet
Little, Susan – GLAUCOMA – Sjögren’s Syndrome
Definition
Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome is a disorder of your immune system often defined
by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth.
Sjogren's syndrome often accompanies other autoimmune disorders, such as
rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Sjogren's syndrome, the mucous membranes and
moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting
in decreased production of tears and saliva.
Although you can develop Sjogren's syndrome at any age, most people are older than
40 at the time of diagnosis. The condition is much more common in women. Treatment
focuses on relieving symptoms, which often subside with time.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sjogrens-syndrome
About Sjögren’s Syndrome
Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which people’s white blood
cells attack their moisture-producing glands. Today, as many as four million Americans
are living with this disease.
Although the hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth, Sjögren’s may also cause
dysfunction of other organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels,
lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. Patients may also experience
extreme fatigue and joint pain and have a higher risk of developing lymphoma.
With upwards of 4,000,000 Americans suffering from Sjögren’s syndrome, it is one of
the most prevalent autoimmune disorders. Nine out of 10 patients are women.
About half of the time Sjögren’s syndrome occurs alone, and the other half it occurs in
the presence of another autoimmune connective tissue disease such as rheumatoid
arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma. When Sjögren’s occurs alone, it is referred to as
“Primary Sjögren’s.” When it occurs with another connective tissue disease, it is referred
to as “Secondary Sjögren’s.”
All instances of Sjögren’s syndrome are systemic, affecting the entire body. Symptoms
may remain steady, worsen, or, uncommonly, go into remission. While some people
experience mild discomfort, others suffer debilitating symptoms that greatly impair their
functioning. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are important — they may prevent
serious complications and greatly improve a patient’s quality of life.
Since symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome mimic other conditions and diseases, Sjögren’s
can often be overlooked or misdiagnosed. On average, it takes nearly seven years to
receive a diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome. Patients need to remember to be pro-active
in talking with their physicians and dentists about their symptoms and potential
treatment options.
Since the disease was first identified in 1933 by Dr. Henrik Sjögren, it has been proven
to affect virtually every racial and ethnic group. General awareness about Sjögren’s
syndrome is still lacking and increased professional awareness is needed to help
expedite new diagnoses and treatment options.
Source: http://www.sjogrens.org/home/about-sjogrens-syndrome
What are Sjogren's syndrome symptoms and signs?
Symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome can involve the glands, as above, but there are also
possible effects of the illness involving other organs of the body (extraglandular
manifestations).
When the tear gland (lacrimal gland) is inflamed from Sjogren's, the resulting eye
dryness can progressively lead to eye irritation, decreased tear production, a "gritty"
sensation, infection, and serious abrasion of the dome of the eye (cornea). Dry eyes
can lead to infections of the eyes. The condition of having dry eyes is medically referred
to as xerophthalmia.
What causes Sjogren's syndrome?
While the exact cause of Sjogren's syndrome is not known, there is growing scientific
support for genetic (inherited) factors. The genetic background of Sjogren's syndrome
patients is an active area of research. The illness is sometimes found in other family
members. It is also found more commonly in families that have members with other
autoimmune illnesses, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune thyroid
disease, type I diabetes, etc. About 90% of patients with Sjogren's syndrome are
female.
Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/sjogrens_syndrome/
Source:
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