What Is Sjogren’s Syndrome and How Is It Diagnosed?
Sjogren’s syndrome is a multisystem, chronic autoimmune disease of unknown cause. It frequently occurs in conjunction with other autoimmune syndromes, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, in which case, it is often termed secondary Sjogren’s syndrome. When presenting as a distinct illness, it is sometimes called Sjogren’s disease or primary Sjogren’s syndrome.
What body parts are affected by Sjogren’s syndrome?
Sjogren’s syndrome may affect many body systems, including the lungs and respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, joints, and nervous system.
Sjogren’s syndrome often emerges insidiously. It develops gradually with a host of seemingly disparate symptoms that may not be recognized as representatives of a single syndrome. As such, the diagnosis is often delayed and even missed by physicians.
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I have severe degenerative arthritis and have had back, neck hip and neck replacement. Have dry mouth and dry eyes with no tears. Asthma fibromyalgia and migraines. My daughter has sjogrens and I haven’t asked to be checked. I sometimes have problems swallowing due to dry mouth just had egd and nothing found.
Sjogren’s syndrome also affects the body’s moisture-producing (lacrimal and salivary) glands. This could cause Dry Eye Syndrome which causes dry eyes and mouth. Your eyes do not produce enough quality tears to keep the eye lubricated. Sjogren’s syndrome most often shows up in women in their 50’s and 60’s and it is 9 times more common in women.