Sjogren?s Syndrome

There are many diseases that can occur in our body, some of these we can understand; while other are more complicated. Also, at times some of these disease can be caused by our own body; in addition there are several autoimmune diseases that can affect us. Can you imagine feeling sad or happy, but not being able to cry?

An autoimmune disease that can slowly developed and affects millions of Americans is Sjogren’s Syndrome.

Sjogren’s Syndrome

As mention, Sjogren’s Syndrome is a disorder that can occur on our immune system and the disease has 2 primary symptoms: dry eyes and a dry mouth. In addition, sjogren syndrome is often associated with other immune system disorders, these include: certain cancers, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

If you have ever suffered or if you know someone who has had these diseases, then you know that they constantly have pain. In addition patients with SS are at risk of developing Alopecia.

Protect yourself and a love one by knowing the causes and symptoms of this syndrome.

Fact: Today, as many as four million Americans are living with this disease.

Causes of Sjogren’s Syndrome

After years of research, doctors have been able to determine there are certain genes in people that can trigger certain diseases. When a patient is diagnose with Sjogren’s Syndrome, the patient’s own immune system will attack your body’s cell and tissue. When one has Sjogren Syndrome, the person’s immune system specifically attacks the moisture-secreting glands in our eyes and mouth. Other areas of our body that can also be affected include:

• Joints
• Kidneys
• Liver
• Lungs
• Nerves
• Skin
• Thyroid

The Symptoms

The two main symptoms of Sjogren syndrome include:

• Dry Eyes: Eyes have a burn itchy sensation or a gritty feel; in some cases the dryness will create “sand” in your eyes.
• Dry Mouth: Xerostomia can caused difficulty speaking or swallowing and make you feel as if it is full of cotton.

Risk Factors

In the case of Sjogren syndrome there are several factors that can increase our risk of developing this disease. However there are several key factors that increase our risk.

• Age: The disease is usually diagnosed in people who are older than 40 years.
• Other Diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis or Lupus it’s a common factor associated with patients who have this disease.
• Sex: Women are at higher risk of developing Sjogren syndrome.

Diagnosis and Tests

Sjogren's syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms vary from person to person, however there are a few tests that can help determine if one has this syndrome or not.

Biopsy

If your doctor determines if you are at risk of developing Sjogren syndrome, he might want to do a lip biopsy to detect the presence of clusters of inflammatory cells. For the test, a small sample of tissue will be remove from the salivary glands (in your lip) and examined under a microscope.

Blood Tests

Blood test can be perform to determine if you the patient has this syndrome.

• Different types of blood cells
• Evidence of inflammatory conditions
• Presence of antibodies
• Problems with your liver and kidneys

Eye Tests

Through a test call Schirmer Tear test, you doctor can determine and measure the dryness of your eyes. The ophthalmologist may also examine the surface of your eyes with a magnifying device and determine if you have Sjogren's syndrome.

The Cure and Treatment

Through the use of medications or a simple oral surgery you can reduce and prevent the harmful effects of Sjogren's syndrome.

To relieve dry eyes, your doctor may offer you eye drops; however if complications persist he/she might consider surgery as an option. Your doctor will advise you to consider undergoing a small surgical procedure, to seal the tear ducts that drain tears from your eyes.

Before going through any surgical procedure, we recommend you to check with a professional; in 2015 SaniCo will open its facilities and you will be able to see how our doctors can help you.

For Sani Dental Group your overall health is

important, in this post we read of a disease that affect more than four million people in the US and the disease affect 2-3% of the human population; we also learned how the disease is diagnosed and how cure it.

Protect your love ones, prevent diseases and have a strong healthy smile; Sani Dental Group can help with our affordable rates and professionals.