Sjogren’s Syndrome signs n symptoms

Sjögren’s syndrome is thought to be caused by the body’s own immune system. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell in the body’s immune system that normally help to protect the body from infection. In Sjögren’s syndrome, these cells are thought to damage the glands that produce tears and saliva.

A person who develops Sjögren’s probably inherits the risk from one or both parents and is then exposed to some type of environmental trigger (eg, a viral infection), but the exact cause in not known. 

SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME SYMPTOMS

The classic symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome are dry mouth (due to decreased production of saliva) and dry eyes (due to decreased production of tears). Symptoms of SS can develop in otherwise healthy people, especially older adults.

SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME DIAGNOSIS

The most prominent symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome (eye and mouth dryness) are common and can be caused by conditions other than Sjögren’s syndrome. Therefore, it is important to identify medications or conditions that cause dryness and determine if alternate non-drying treatments are available.

The definition of Sjögren’s syndrome requires that the person have symptoms for a prolonged time (eg, dry mouth for greater than three months) as well as positive laboratory tests. 

Blood tests — A number of blood tests are typically done in people suspected of having Sjögren’s syndrome. One of the most important is a test for the presence of certain antibodies that are markers for autoimmune disorders. ".)

Salivary gland testing — A salivary gland biopsy may be recommended to aid in the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome. The biopsy is done by removing a small piece of tissue from the inner portion of the lip. Other salivary gland tests may also be recommended.

Eye tests — Tests are usually recommended to determine if you produce a normal amount of tears and to determine if there are areas of the eye that have been damaged as a result of dryness. An eye specialist (ophthalmologist) or rheumatologist may perform these tests.

Schirmer test — In the Schirmer test, a small piece of sterile filter paper is inserted gently between the eye and eyelid in the inner corner of the eye. It is removed after several minutes, and the wetness on the paper is then measured. A decreased amount of wetting is characteristic of Sjögren’s syndrome, although decreased tear production can also occur with other conditions.
Rose Bengal test — The dry eye of Sjögren’s syndrome can show damage to the membranes surrounding the eye and eyelids. A test called the Rose Bengal test can detect scratches on the surface of the eye.
SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME COMPLICATIONS

The decreased fluid production in the eyes and mouth can lead to additional problems.

Damage to the surface of the eye can occur when the eyes lack the natural lubricating layer.
Injury to the normally transparent cornea can interfere with vision and cause eye pain.
People with decreased saliva production are at risk of developing cavities in the teeth and infections in the mouth, including painful fungal infections (a yeast infection or thrush).
People with Sjögren’s syndrome have a higher risk of developing diseases of the chest (called interstitial pneumonitis), the kidneys (interstitial nephritis), and thyroid gland abnormalities.
Sjögren’s also increases the risk of a cancer of the lymphatic system (such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma). The lymphatic system includes the tissues and organs that produce and store cells that fight infection, including the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes