Sjogren's Syndrome - an auto immune disorder
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If you have found your way here you probably have Sjogren's Syndrome or know someone who does; may be you are not well and have not been given a diagnosis yet. Here you will find a collection of items about Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) and auto immunity both from the medical community and from personal experiences.
Sjogren's (pronounced show grins) is an auto immune disorder. This is a condition in which the body recognizes its own tissues as foreign invaders and directs war against them. With Sjogren's the main tissues attacked are the exocrine glands - the sweat glands. It can have more general effects such as fatigue and aching joints or muscles.
Who Gets Sjögren's Syndrome?
Experts believe 1 to 4 million people have the disease and 90 percent of those are women. Read more
The Online Medical Dictionary defines Sjogren's Syndrome as
"An immunologic disorder characterised by progressive destruction of the exocrine glands (sweat glands, lacrimal glands, salivary glands). Symptoms include dry eyes, dry mouth, persistant cough (dry airways)and lack of saliva." Online Medical Dictionary
Dr Peter D'Adamo explains SS:
Auto immunity is an overactive immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Read more. Auto List
Synonyms of Sjogren Syndrome
List of Symptoms. These vary from person to person and you may not have all of the symptoms.
For info on complications of Sjogren's CNN's Health Library and scroll down the page.
Causes of Sjogren's Syndrome.
Diagnosis Many people with auto immune diseases find diagnosis is often delayed for years as the symptoms are misinterpreted or overlooked. The early stages are often picked up by an opthalmologist (dry eyes, blepharitis, adies tonic) or a dentist (dry mouth, many cavities). No single test is specific in diagnosing SS. The person who often determines a diagnosis is a rheumatologist. More info on diagnosis
Misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. You may have been told by various doctors and specialists that you have individual symptoms or conditions such as those following but not been given the ' big picture' diagnosis of SS
- blepharitis or dry eye
- peripheral neuropathy
- irregular emg of nerves and muscles
- fibromyalgia
- myalgia
- depression
- chronic pain
- food allergies
- thyroid problem
- reflux
- irritable bowel syndrome
- optic neuritis
- arthritis
- raynauds
- possible optic neuritis
- possible MS
- possible SLE
- the list could go on and on
"Autoimmune diseases, and SjS in particular, pose a diagnostic puzzle for both doctor and patient, The symptoms can take years to develop fully. the disorder is systemic and cause symtoms anywhere in the patient's body." Page 32 'A Body Out of Balance.' by Ruth Fremes, M.A. & nancy Carteron, M.D.
What you can do when diagnosed "Hurrah, finally some one believes me, I am not going crazy, I am not a hypocondriac, I have Sjogren's Syndrome." Yes, diagnosis is difficult and it is just the first step. The next step is realizing that SS is usually not life threatening but it is a chronic condition that needs on going attention.
Just as we get a handle on it the symptoms can change, flare ups occur and new symptoms arrive. We must constantly re evaluate our health to get the best quality of life.
Get a good relationship with a G.P. and a rheumatologist who will help you maintain a reasonable quality of life.
A healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle may help manage your symptoms.
You need to be actively involved in your own care to find the best ways to relieve your symptoms. Smoking, poor diet, alcohol and certain medicines may aggrevate your condition.
Educate yourself about SS Visit Online: Lynne's Sjogren Syndrome Page where you can read the stories of over 40 women and men who have SS
Forums for Sjogren's and auto immunity where you can chat, ask questions or share your story go to the forums.
Sjogren's World invite you to use any of their resources: E-Pals, discussion forums, live chats, and e-mail lists, as well as read medical links and articles on neurological components of Sjogren's Syndrome.
Read 'A Body Out of Balance. Understanding and Treating Sjogren's Syndrome' by Ruth Fremes, M.A. & Nancy Carteron, M.D.FACR
Connect to others who have SS. Many countries have Sjogren's Syndrome support groups.
Here is a list of groups. You can add a group by going to the "Contact us" page.
The National Sjogren's Syndrome Association
The British Sjögren's Syndrome Association
Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation USA
The Lupus Association of Tasmania
The Swedish Sjogren's Association
Arthritis Victoria Australia
Other Auto immune disorders: For a large list with symptoms and affected areas go to Auto List
For more background information go to: Lupus Association's Sjogren's page Mayo Clinic
Sjogren's Symptoms in detail Fibromyalgia Diagnosis Management Complications Support Research into the disease
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This site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You must keep on seeking medical advice from a doctor or specialist to be diagnosed and treated.
I know absolutely nothing about medicine and am an individual who has been diagnosed, by a rheumatologist and immunologist, to have Sjogren's Syndrome and other autoimmune conditions.
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