The two most typical symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome, which is also known as SHOW-grins, are dry eyes and a dry mouth.
The condition commonly accompanies other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Sjogren’s syndrome typically affects the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands in the mouth and eyes first, which reduces saliva and tears.
Despite the fact that Sjogren’s syndrome can strike anyone at any age, most patients are diagnosed when they are older than 40. In women, the illness is even more prevalent. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms.
Symptoms
There are two primary signs of Sjogren’s syndrome:
Stale eyes It’s possible for your eyes to burn, itch, or feel grainy, like they contain sand.
Parched mouth It may seem like there is cotton in your mouth, making it hard to swallow or talk.
Some Sjogren’s syndrome sufferers also have one or more of the following conditions:
- Stiffness, edema, and joint pain
- Enlarged salivary glands, especially those in front of your ears and below your jaw
- Eczema or parched skin
- Dryness in the vagina
- Dry cough that never goes away
- Extended exhaustion
Causes
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune illness. Your immune system wrongly assaults your body’s own cells and tissues.
The exact cause of Sjogren’s syndrome in some individuals is unknown to scientists. People with specific genes are more likely to develop the disorder, but it also seems that a trigger, like infection with a specific virus or strain of bacteria, is required.
Your immune system targets the glands that produce saliva and tears first when you have Sjogren’s syndrome. However, it can also harm other bodily components, like:
- Joints
- The thyroid
- Kidneys
- Liver
- lungs
- Skin
- Nerves
Treatment
The damaged bodily parts determine the course of treatment for Sjogren’s syndrome. Using over-the-counter eyedrops and drinking extra water are common ways that patients with Sjogren’s syndrome manage their dry mouth and dry eyes. However, some people require prescription drugs or even surgery.
Drugs
In light of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend drugs that:
Decrease eye inflammation. Your eye doctor may prescribe prescription eyedrops, such as lifitegrast (Xiidra) or cyclosporine (Restasis), if you have moderate to severe dry eyes.
Boost the amount of saliva produced. Medication like cevimeline (Evoxac) and pilocarpine (Salagen) might cause an increase in saliva and occasionally tears. Sweating, flushing, stomach pain, and increased urination are possible side effects.
Take care of particular issues. You may benefit from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other arthritis medications if you start to experience symptoms of arthritis. Antifungal drugs should be used to treat oral yeast infections.
Address symptoms throughout the board. A medication used to treat malaria called hydroxychloroquine, or Plaquenil, is frequently beneficial in treating Sjogren’s disease. Medication that suppresses the immune system, including methotrexate (Trexall), may also be recommended.
Operation
Your dry eyes may be relieved by a quick operation called punctal occlusion, which seals the tear ducts that remove tears from your eyes. The ducts are filled with silicone or collagen plugs to help keep your tears fresh.
