Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the body's glands. This syndrome leads to inflammation of these glands, which causes dry eyes and mouth in particular. Sjögren's syndrome can also affect the vagina, skin and other mucous membranes.
Treatment is aimed at alleviating and relieving symptoms. Eye drops, artificial saliva and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to manage symptoms. It is important that patients are closely monitored, as this disease can sometimes lead to other serious health problems.
What are the symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome?
The symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome can vary from person to person and some patients may only have specific glands affected, such as the eyes or mouth, while others may have a wider range of symptoms. Symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome may include
- Dry, burning, stinging and irritated eyes due to insufficient tear production by the eyes.
- Dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, mouth sores and tooth decay due to the salivary glands being affected.
- This syndrome can also affect other glands, such as skin problems, dry nose and digestive problems.
- There may be joint pain, swelling and sometimes signs of inflammatory joint disease (arthritis).
- The person may experience extreme and constant tiredness.
- Dry skin, rashes or skin lesions may appear.
- Dry throat and respiratory problems may occur.
- Women may experience vaginal dryness and pain during sexual intercourse.
Who Has Sjögren's Syndrome?
Sjögren's syndrome is a disease that is generally more common in women. However, it can affect people of any age and gender. The age of onset of this syndrome varies, but it is usually more common in middle age and later. The incidence of the syndrome can vary depending on a person's genetic makeup, environmental and other factors.
There is no specific method or strategy to reduce or prevent anyone's risk of Sjögren's syndrome, but early diagnosis and treatment of the symptoms of the disease is important.
What are Sjögren's Syndrome Risk Factors?
Sjögren's syndrome risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. These factors include female gender, advanced age, genetic predisposition, the presence of other autoimmune diseases and environmental factors. The disease is particularly common in women, and families with a family history of Sjögren's syndrome are more at risk.
However, while the exact causes of Sjögren's syndrome are unknown, the interaction of these factors plays a role in the development of the disease. While there is no specific strategy to reduce or prevent anyone's risk of Sjögren's syndrome, early diagnosis and treatment of the symptoms of the disease is important.
What Causes Sjögren's Syndrome?
Although the exact cause of Sjögren's syndrome is unknown, it is considered an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks its own tissues as a mechanism that normally fights against foreign substances. In Sjögren's syndrome, the immune system targets glands throughout the body, such as the salivary and lacrimal glands.
The cause of this disease is thought to be a combination of genetic factors, environmental factors and problems with the immune system. It is also known that some autoimmune diseases can lead to Sjögren's syndrome.
Research into the exact cause of Sjögren's syndrome is ongoing, but so far no definitive trigger factor or cause has been identified. Therefore, the factors and mechanisms that increase the risk of developing the disease still require further research.
How is Sjögren's syndrome treated?
Treatment of Sjögren's syndrome focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life, as there is currently no complete cure for this disease. Treatment is usually symptom-oriented and can involve many different approaches:
Eye Care: Artificial tear drops or ointments can be used to manage dry eyes. It is important for patients with Sjögren's syndrome to use eye drops regularly to keep their eyes moist and prevent irritation.
Oral Care: Water or mouth moisturizers can be used instead of saliva to reduce dry mouth. Regular dental check-ups and oral care are important to maintain dental health.
Anti-inflammatory Drugs: When there is pain and inflammation in the joints, anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed by a specialist.
Immunosuppressants: In some cases, drugs that suppress immune system activity may be used, especially in cases of severe autoimmune response.
Treatments for other symptoms: Specific treatments may be prescribed for additional symptoms such as vaginal dryness, skin problems or digestive problems.