Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic disease that affects the exocrine glands, especially the lacrimal and salivary glands, causing dry eyes and mouth. It can also occur dryness other tissues, such as skin, nasal and vaginal mucosa. Furthermore, as systemic disease, can cause problems elsewhere in the body such as joints, muscles, lungs, kidneys, nerves and brain.
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells and organs of the body itself. In this case, the immune system attacks the organs that produce normally liquid lubricant, including the salivary glands in the mouth and lacrimal glands in the eye, which leads to a marked reduction in the production of saliva and tears.
A dry mouth can be responsible for burning sensation in the mouth, difficulty swallowing (especially dry foods) with weight loss, tooth decay, periodontal disease, difficulty in adjusting dentures, calculations and salivary gland infections, fungal infections in mouth (thrush) and thrush. In turn, the dry eye may cause corneal damage (corneal ulcers, keratoconjunctivitis sicca), infectious conjunctivitis and loss of vision.
This syndrome, which is named after a Swedish physician, Dr. Henrik Sjögren's can affect people of all ages and races. However, 90% of cases involve women, usually between 45 and 50 years. The cause of this disease is unknown and continues to be investigated. It was recently discovered that certain genes may increase the tendency of the person to develop Sjögren's syndrome.
Approximately half the people with Sjögren's syndrome also have other autoimmune disease of the connective tissue such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus erythematosus. In these people, Sjögren's syndrome is classified as secondary, occurring in 30% of people with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In people who have no other concomitant autoimmune disease, Sjogren's syndrome is regarded as a primary disease may affect 1-3% of the population.
Treatment
Patients with Sjögren's syndrome should be followed by a Rheumatologist or a doctor of internal medicine with expertise in Autoimmune Diseases. In addition, patients should be observed regularly by a dentist and an ophthalmologist. Sjögren's syndrome can not be cured, but appropriate treatment can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The patient should discuss with your doctor if any medications you are taking (eg, antihistamines or antidepressants) may aggravate complaints. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce swelling and stiffness of the joints, and muscle aches. The doctor may prescribe corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications in case of more serious complications of the disease.
The doctor or optician may indicate a preparation of artificial tears or an eye ointment lubricant of good quality. The glasses with a humidity chamber that preserve existing tears and which protect the eyes from drafts and wind, can be useful. When the dry eye is enhanced can be realized occlusion of tear ducts. This procedure locks the drainage holes of small tears in the inner corner of the eye, which allows tears to accumulate and wetting the eye.
To relieve dry mouth, the patient should drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Chewing gums and sugarless candies can stimulate saliva production. Also there are preparations of artificial saliva. Beverages containing caffeine and alcohol, which can aggravate dry mouth should be avoided, as well as fatty or spicy foods, which can irritate the oral mucosa. In severe cases, the dentist or doctor can prescribe medications such as pilocarpine, which generally have better results in the relief of dry mouth than the eyes.
Patients should brush their teeth with a toothpaste containing fluoride immediately after eating and visiting your dentist regularly. Individuals with Sjögren's syndrome show a higher risk of developing dental caries because they have less saliva, which has antibacterial properties which protect the teeth. Patients should not smoke because tobacco can cause mouth lesions, nasal mucosa, eyes and lungs. The solutions to gargle with antibacterial may be useful to prevent the decay and periodontal disease.
There are also lubricants to reduce nasal and vaginal dryness. In case of dry skin, a good moisturizer can increase its elasticity.
The humidifiers can be used at home or at work, making the environment less dry. Whenever possible, the patient should also avoid air currents of air conditioners, heaters and radiators.
A walking or swimming can help maintain flexibility of joints and muscles. If Sjögren's syndrome is secondary to another autoimmune disease, medications and general measures (such as exercise) should be tailored to that specific disease.

Prevention
There is no known way to prevent Sjögren's syndrome, although one can prevent worsening of symptoms by avoiding certain medications, dry environment, caffeine and alcohol. Complications, such as cavities, can also be prevented.