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Friendly Print preview ARTHRITIS
FOUNDATION OF VICTORIA SJOGREN'S SYNDROME .. Sjogren's Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune rheumatic disorder, not as rare as people would think, characterised by the inflammation and destruction of lachrymal (tear) and salivary glands. The condition is slowly progressive and it may take several years before patients develop the typical symptoms of dry, gritty, sore eyes and a dry mouth. Because of the lack of saliva, patients are particularly prone to dental decay. Intermittent swelling of the partoid and submandibular salivary glands is often observed. In some patients the dry eyes and mouth (sicca symptoms), are quite mild and the patient might not seek medical advice. In other patients, the disease can be more troublesome with the development of inflammatory arthritis, skin rashes, kidney and lung involvement. It is not known what initiates the condition, but it appears that immune cells (lymphocytes) and antibodies circulating in the blood, localise in the glandular tissue and produce a chronic inflammatory response. Sjogren's Syndrome is more common than originally believed and has a prevalence of around 0.05% of the population. It is at least 10 times more common in women than men and can present in adults of all ages. The condition can occur in its own right (termed Primary Sjogren's Syndrome), or in association with another rheumatic disease such as SLE, Scleroderma or Rheumatoid Arthritis.
If the diagnosis of Sjogren's Syndrome is suspected, a Shirmer's test should be performed. This test measures the amount of tear formation, using a strip of blotting paper. Additional tests to confirm the diagnosis include a biopsy of one of the salivary glands, (generally the ones in the lower lip), or blood tests which measure specific autoantibody levels. These tests usually allow true Sjogren's Syndrome to be distinguished from other causes of dry eyes and dry mouth, including senile glandular atrophy. There is no cure for the disease but many patients can be helped, with treatment for their symptoms. Artificial tears provide relief for dry gritty eyes. Regular dental visits are important if salivary secretion diminishes as this may cause dental decay. New drugs which will stimulate salivary secretion are being developed. Oral thrush is quite common and can be treated with topical antifungal drugs. Skin lotions and vaginal lubricants are often helpful, and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to control the Arthritis. In patients with debilitating fatigue and other organ involvement, cortisone drugs are sometimes used. Sjogren's Syndrome is not life threatening, it is ‘life altering'. The outlook for those with this condition is usually good. Dryness however is chronic and may last for the duration of one's life. As there is no cure proper management will provide comfort and relief. Strategies/Treatments that may help include:
Continuous worldwide research is going on, seeking to identify the cause and ultimately a cure. Meanwhile the manufacture of better quality products helps to relieve the symptoms. New medications are continually introduced onto the market. Preservative free tears and oral preparations containing antibacterial enzymes are a tremendous benefit. The use of manufactured moisture and practising oral hygiene, can help prevent serious problems. Arthritis Victoria can provide:
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