Sjögren’s Syndrome
What is Sjögren’s Syndrome? Learn about the causes, symptoms, and the most effective treatments.
Symptoms and Causes
Sjögren’s syndrome, also known as dry syndrome, is an autoimmune disease that generates antibodies that attack the exocrine glands responsible for moisture production in the body and their external secretions, particularly saliva and tears.
The most affected organs are the eyes and mouth, but it can also impact the nose, throat, skin, kidneys, nerves, blood vessels, lungs, and especially the joints. For this reason, it is considered a rheumatic disease.
In general, dry syndrome has a good prognosis, and its symptoms subside with appropriate lifelong treatment. Additionally, it does not negatively impact life expectancy, except in rare cases where internal organs are affected, which can lead to lymphoma.
Symptoms
The most characteristic symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome include:
- Dry eyes causing itching, burning, and a gritty sensation.
- Dry mouth making it difficult to speak and swallow.
Less common signs include:
- Dry skin.
- Rash.
- Joint pain.
- Vaginal dryness.
- Persistent dry cough.
- Fatigue.
- Increased drowsiness.
Causes
The causes triggering the immune system alteration that leads to Sjögren’s syndrome are unknown. Specialists believe it affects individuals with a genetic predisposition, although it is not a hereditary disease.
Risk Factors
Sjögren’s syndrome is more likely to affect:
- Women.
- People over 40 years old.
- Individuals with rheumatic diseases.
Complications
The most common complications of Sjögren’s syndrome include:
- Tooth decay.
- Fungal infections in the mouth.
- Blurred vision.
- Light sensitivity.
Less frequently, when other organs are affected, it can cause:
- Pneumonia.
- Hepatitis.
- Cirrhosis.
- Peripheral neuropathy.
- Lymphoma.
Prevention
Sjögren’s syndrome cannot be prevented.
Which Doctor Treats Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Immunologists, rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, and dentists are involved in diagnosing and treating Sjögren’s syndrome.
Diagnosis
To diagnose Sjögren’s syndrome, specialists perform the following tests:
- Physical examination: Evaluates mucosal dryness. It also detects oral infections, cavities, skin rashes, or joint inflammation.
- Blood and urine tests: Analyze antibody levels and blood cell counts. These tests can also detect inflammation in different parts of the body.
- Sialography: A radiographic exam used to identify alterations in the salivary glands and ducts.
- Parotid gland scintigraphy: Produces images of the parotid glands, which produce saliva, to assess their functional status.
- Schirmer’s test: Measures eye dryness by placing a strip of blotting paper under the lower eyelid to determine tear production over a set period.
- Salivary gland biopsy: Detects abnormal or inflamed cells.
Treatment
Treatments for Sjögren’s syndrome focus on alleviating symptoms, as there is currently no cure. The most commonly used treatments include:
- Medications to reduce eye inflammation or stimulate saliva production.
- Eye drops to keep the eyes hydrated.
- Corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants may be prescribed in severe cases affecting organs such as the lungs, kidneys, or nervous system.
General recommendations: Drink small sips of water frequently throughout the day, chew sugar-free gum, avoid alcohol, refrain from smoking, avoid medications that increase dry mouth, maintain good oral hygiene, and increase indoor humidity levels.
