Over time, the lack of moisture can start to damage the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system.
The diagnosis of Sjogren’s disease involves multiple tests, including blood tests that can detect autoimmune antibodies.
The treatment may involve immunosuppressant drugs like steroids as well as eye drops and oral painkillers for symptomatic relief.
Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell
What Are the Symptoms of Sjogren’s Disease?
The symptoms develop when moisture-producing glands and tissues sustain damage due to the autoimmune assault.
This includessalivary glandsthat produce saliva, lacrimal glands that produce tears, andmucosal membranesthat produce mucus.
The severity of symptoms can vary, with some people only experiencing eye irritation while others develop serious complications.
Definitions
Primary Sjogren’s disease is diagnosed if you do not have another autoimmune disease.
Associated Sjogren’s disease is when it occurs along with another autoimmune disease.
What Causes Sjogren’s Disease?
Around 90% of cases are in females.
People of any age can get it, although the average age of onset is around 40.
The cause of Sjogren’s disease is unknown.
For reasons not entirely clear, the immune system will suddenly attack moisture-producing glands and tissues withchronic inflammation.
Having another autoimmune disease also increases your risk of Sjogren’s disease.
How Is Sjogren’s Disease Diagnosed?
No single test by itself can diagnose Sjogren’s disease.
A combination of factors is considered together in your diagnosis.
Because the symptoms are somewhat vague, it can take years for Sjogren’s to be diagnosed.
Your symptoms, physical examination, specialized tests, and blood tests can help identify the condition.
Your healthcare provider or dentist may observe that your mouth is dry.
Your nose and skin may appear dry and your eyes may also appear red or dry.
Your joints may appear swollen, and you may have a rash on your skin.
These include:
How Is Sjogren’s Disease Treated?
There is no cure for Sjogren’s disease.
Smoke and eye makeup can be irritating and should be avoided.
Artificial tears and eye ointments can help relieve chronic dry eyes.
They also treat severe flare-ups (exacerbation) in people with Sjogren’s disease.
Disease-modifying treatments include:
These medications can cause side effects, including an increased risk of infection.
Sjogren’s disease is diagnosed with multiple tests, including blood antibody tests.
Certain disease-modifying drugs can temper the overactive immune response.
Eye drops, oral pain relievers, and mucus-stimulating medications may help ease symptoms.
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