He Sjögren syndrome It is a rheumatic disease and also an autoimmune disorder. The cause an attack of the immune system towards the tear and salivary glands which produces dry eyes and mouths. It usually affects women more from the age of 40.
Causes of Sjögren Syndrome
Autoimmune disorder of unknown cause
The cause that leads to the immune system attacks the glands that produce saliva and tears is unknown. It has been indicated that it could have a genetic origin and also that it could have, as a trigger, a viral infection or a bacterial.
There are two types of Sjögren syndrome:
– Primary. It is not related to other diseases. It is presented alone.
– Secondary. It is associated with other rheumatic diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Sjögren syndrome symptoms
Dry eyes and mouth
The signs of Sjögren syndrome vary from one case to another but the main ones are:
– Dry eyes with burning, itching or feeling of having sand inside.
– Drying in the mouth, a feeling that the mouth is full of cotton. Difficulty swallowing or speaking.
Other symptoms can be:
– Pain, inflammation and stiffness in the joints.
– sialoadenitis.
– Dry skin.
– Cutaneous rashes.
– Vaginal dryness.
– Persistent dry cough.
– Prolonged fatigue.
The main complications of Sjögren syndrome are:
– Caries.
– Oral candiadiasis.
– Light sensitivity.
– Blurred vision.
– Damage to the cornea.
Other less frequent complications are:
– Renal function problems, in the liver (hepatitis or cirrhosis) and pulmonary (pneumonia or bronchitis).
– Peripheral neuropathy.
Sjögren syndrome diagnosis
Blood analysis, eye exams, image tests and biopsy
It is difficult to obtain a diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome, so the specialist will request blood analysis to verify antibodies, evidence of inflammatory disorders, signs of liver and/or renal problems and blood cell levels.
Ocular exams will also be necessary to evaluate the dryness of the eyes; Image tests such as sialogram, an radiography, to check how saliva flows to the mouth; and a biopsy of the lip to detect inflammatory cells.
Treatment and medication of Sjögren syndrome
Relief of symptoms
The treatment of Sjögren syndrome consists in the relief of symptoms such as prescribing drops to combat dry eyes or medications such as pilocarpine to increase saliva production.
If there is arthritis, non -steroidal and antifungal anti -inflammatory drugs could be prescribed if there is candidiasis.
To eliminate the tear caps there is a simple surgical procedure that drains the tears relieving the dry eyes.
Sjögren syndrome prevention
Do not smoke, maintain good hydration and good oral health
On a day -to -day basis, living with Sjögren syndrome implies maintaining interior environments with a degree of moisture using a humidifier. Outside the wind must be avoided. Using eye drops relieves dry eye discomfort and to combat the dryness of the mouth, smoking and maintain proper hydration by ingesting liquid throughout the day. It can also be useful to use nostrils and chew sugar -free gum or consume sugarless candies.
It is important to have a semiannual program of mouth reviews with the dentist and maintain proper oral hygiene brushing your teeth daily, using dental thread after meals and using rinses.
You have to avoid coffee, alcohol, tail soft drinks and acidic drinks.
For skin care you have to dry to tap after the shower or bathroom, without rubbing with the towel; and use body moisturizers.
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