Diagnosis, Treatments and Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects the salivary glands and other moisture-producing glands in the body. The body's immune system mistakes moisture-producing glands for a threat and attacks them. As the salivary glands and tear ducts are affected, dry mouth and eyes result.

 

Sjogren's syndrome affects approximately four million Americans. Ninety percent of cases are women, usually in their forties. While the most noticeable symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome's are its affect on salivary glands and tear ducts, the disease can affect a number of organs in the body.

Sjogren's syndrome is often divided into primary and secondary Sjogren's. Fifty percent of Sjogren's syndrome cases are primary, meaning syndrome presents by itself. In secondary Sjogren's syndrome, another autoimmune disease is present. Autoimmune diseases associated with secondary Sjogren's syndrome include systemic lupus erythematosis ("lupus") and rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Approximately one third of all Sjogren's syndrome cases occur with arthritis. Sjogren's syndrome also increases the risk of developing lymphoma and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.

The most common symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are a dry mouth and eyes, due to the autoimmune disease's deterioration of the salivary glands and tear ducts. Symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome also often include swollen salivary glands and fatigue.

Diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome relies in part on identifying the autoimmune diseases symptoms. If symptoms are present, blood tests are performed to look for autoantibodies common to Sjogren's syndrome. Levels of immunoglobulins (normal antibody proteins found in the blood) will also be checked: elevated levels suggest Sjogren's.

 

Physical tests for Sjogren's syndrome include the Schirmer tear test, where a paper strip is used to gauge tear duct production, and a Parotid Gland Flow test, which measures the flow of saliva from the major parotid glands.

Treatments for Sjogren's syndrome concentrate on relieving symptoms: no cure for the autoimmune disease exists. The treatments used to treat dry mouth are the usual treatments of Sjogren's syndrome.