overview
- Sjogren’s syndrome (SHOW grins) is a disorder of your immune system identified by the two most common symptoms – dry eyes and dry mouth.
- The disease is often associated with other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Sjogren’s syndrome, the mucous membranes and the moisture-secreting glands in the eyes and mouth are usually affected first, which leads to a decrease in tears and saliva. Sjogren’s syndrome treatment in hyderabad
symptom
- Location of the salivary glands
Salivary glands Open the popup dialog
The two main symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome are: - Dry eyes. Your eyes may burn, itch, or feel rough – like there is sand in them.
Dry mouth. Your mouth appears full of cotton wool, which makes it difficult to swallow or speak. Sjogren’s syndrome treatment in hyderabad
The reasons
- \Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells and tissues.
- Scientists don’t know why some people develop Sjogren’s syndrome. Certain genes put people at higher risk of developing the disorder, but it seems that some triggering mechanism – like infection with a specific virus or strain of bacteria – is also required.
- In Sjogren’s syndrome, your immune system first targets the glands that produce tears and saliva. But it can also damage other parts of the body, e.g.
- Joints
- thyroid
- Kidneys
- liver
Risk factors
Sjogren’s syndrome usually occurs in people with one or more known risk factors, including:
- Age. Sjogren’s syndrome is usually diagnosed in people over 40.
- Sex. Women are much more likely to have Sjogren’s syndrome.
- Rheumatic disease. People with Sjogren’s syndrome also often have rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Complications
The most common complications of Sjogren’s syndrome affect the eyes and mouth.
- Tooth cavities. Because saliva protects teeth from bacteria that cause cavities, you’re more likely to develop cavities when your mouth is dry.
- Yeast infections. People with Sjogren’s syndrome are much more likely to develop oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth.
- Vision problems. Dry eyes can lead to sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and corneal damage. Sjogren’s syndrome treatment in hyderabad