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What is Sjögren’s Syndrome? What are the symptoms of
Sjögren’s syndrome?
Sjögren’s (pronounced SHOW-grins) syndrome
is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease in Symptoms vary from person to person but may
which moisture-producing glands are damaged, include a dry, gritty, or burning sensation in the eyes;
significantly decreasing the quantity and quality of dry mouth; difficulty talking, chewing, or swallowing;
saliva and tears. The disease was first identified by a a sore or cracked tongue; dry or burning throat; dry,
Swedish physician, Henrik Sjögren, in 1933. peeling lips; a change in taste or smell; increased
dental decay; joint pain; vaginal and skin dryness;
Although the hallmark symptoms are dry eyes, dry
digestive problems; dry nose; and fatigue.
mouth, fatigue and joint pain, Sjögren’s may cause
dysfunction of other organs, affecting the kidneys,
gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, Who is most likely to
pancreas, and the nervous system. Patients also have develop Sjögren’s syndrome?
a higher risk of developing lymphoma. Sjögren’s is one
Nine out of ten Sjögren’s patients are women.
of the most prevalent autoimmune disorders, striking
The average age of diagnosis is around 40, although
as many as 4,000,000 Americans. Nine out of ten
it can occur in all age groups (including children) and
patients are women.
in both sexes.
About half of the time Sjögren’s occurs alone, and
the other half it occurs in the presence of another Is it easy to diagnose
connective tissue disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome?
lupus, or scleroderma. All instances
Sjögren’s often is undiagnosed or misdi-
of Sjögren’s syndrome are systemic,
agnosed. The symptoms of Sjögren’s
affecting the entire body. Symptoms
syndrome may mimic those of meno-
may plateau, worsen, or, uncommonly,
pause, drug side effects, or medical
go into remission. While some people
conditions such as lupus, rheuma-
experience mild discomfort, others suf-
toid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic
fer debilitating symptoms that greatly
fatigue syndrome, and multiple
impair their functioning. Early diagnosis
sclerosis. Because all symptoms are
and proper treatment are important —
not always present at the same time
they may prevent serious complications
and because Sjögren’s can involve
and greatly improve a patient’s quality
several body systems, physicians
of life.
and dentists sometimes treat each
symptom individually and do not
recognize that a systemic disease is
Visit www.sjogrens.org present. The average time from the
to learn more about onset of symptoms to diagnosis is
Sjögren’s and the SSF. over four years.
What kind of doctor The dental tests include:
treats Sjögren’s? l Salivary flow: Measures the amount of saliva
produced over a certain period of time.
Rheumatologists have primary responsibility
for managing Sjögren’s. Patients also are seen and l Salivary scintigraphy: A nuclear medicine test
treated by specialists such as ophthalmologists, op- that measures salivary gland function.
tometrists, dentists and others as necessary to treat l Salivary gland biopsy (usually in the lower lip): Confirms
their various complications. lymphocytic infiltration of the minor salivary glands.
Neurological problems,
concentration/memory-loss Dry eyes, corneal
(brain fog) ulcerations, and
infections.
Dry nose, recurrent
sinusitis, nose bleeds Difficulty swallowing,
heartburn, reflux
Dry mouth, mouth esophagitis
sores, dental decay;
difficulty with chewing, Recurrent bronchitis,
speech, taste and pneumonia, interstitial
dentures lung disease
Visit
www.sjogrens.org
to learn more.
What is the Sjögren’s Add your voice to the cause!
Syndrome Foundation? Join the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation today and
provide another voice to increase awareness, educate
The Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation (SSF) is the
others, and encourage research. With your help, we can
only national non-profit organization dedicated to conquer Sjögren’s!
fighting Sjögren’s syndrome through research, edu-
To sign up as a member and start receiving our
cation, and awareness. SSF supports and educates newsletter, complete the information below and send
patients and their families, increases public and this form, with your check or credit card information,
professional awareness, and encourages additional to the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation, c/o BB&T Bank,
PO Box 890612, Charlotte NC 28289-0612 or by fax
research into new treatments and a possible cure.
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