If it was just diminished tears, Sjögren’s syndrome could be treated solely with eye drops.
Differs From Dry-Eye Syndrome
Similar to lupus, Sjögren’s (SHOW-grins) syndrome is a non-infectious, primarily hereditary and incurable autoimmune disease. White blood cells called lymphocytes attack healthy tissue within the body.
With Sjögren’s syndrome, the primary targets are moisture-producing lacrimal and salivary exocrine glands. Reduction in tears and saliva can affect vision, tooth decay, voice quality, vaginal lubrication, and the digestive system.
Systemic Effects of Moisture Reduction
Extraglandular involvement includes joint inflammation; particular forms of autoimmune thyroid, kidney, liver, lung, and skin disease; changes in peripheral nerve function; and a small percentage of patients may manifest a malignant lymphoma. [1] Sjögren-induced joint pain may feel like arthritis without the rheumatoid factor.
Rheumatoid factor is not only present in rheumatoid arthritis patients. It may be present in Sjogren’s syndrome patients or other autoimmune disease patients too. The same can be said for positive ANA tests.
There are specific antinuclear antibodies that occur commonly in Sjogren’s syndrome patients, though not all. The specific Sjogren’s syndrome antibodies are known as: anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B (also referred to as anti-Ro and anti-La respectively). [2]
Try not to clear your throat before speaking. Instead, take a sip of water, … make an “h” sound, hum, or laugh to gently bring the vocal cords together.
People with Sjögren’s syndrome can develop hoarseness if their vocal cords become inflamed as part of the disease or become irritated from throat dryness or coughing. To prevent further strain on your vocal cords, try not to clear your throat before speaking. Instead, take a sip of water, chew sugar-free gum, or suck on sugar-free candy.
Make an “h” sound, hum, or laugh to gently bring the vocal cords together so you can get sound out. Clearing your throat does the same thing, but it’s hard on the vocal cords, and you want to avoid irritating them further. [1]
Relieving Dry Eyes
Not all dry-eye discomfort is caused by Sjögren’s syndrome. Activities that minimize blinking or cause rapid evaporation, such as long-term computer use or exposure to wind, can result in dry-eye irritation. When Sjögren’s is the cause, the medical term is keratoconjunctivitis sicca; dry mouth is called xerostomia.
Dry eyes are helped by using artificial tears. Dry mouth can be relieved with saliva stimulants and mouth lubricants. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to manage joint pain.
Doctors may prescribe corticosteroids to control inflammation if there is systemic (e.g., multiple-organ) involvement. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can be used to control an overactive immune system. [2]
Primary and Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome Symptoms
Sjögren’s can occur at any age, but most commonly appears in women aged 45 to 55. [3] The absence of other autoimmune connective tissue diseases (notably rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus), suggests Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (PSS). Primary or secondary Sjögren’s syndrome can affect more than the lacrimal and salivary glands, causing the following symptoms [1]:
- Multiple sites of joint and muscle pain
- Prolonged dry skin
- Skin rashes on the extremities
- Swelling of glands around face
- Chronic dry cough
- Vaginal dryness
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Prolonged fatigue that interferes with daily life
Rare complications linked to Sjogren's syndrome include [2]:
- Rashes on arms and legs related to vasculitis
- Inflammation in the lungs, liver, and kidney
- Neurological complications resulting in numbness, tingling, and weakness
- Lymphoma in a small number of patients
Neuropathy in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome Patients
Extraglandular involvement of the peripheral nervous system may occur with reported frequencies from 10% to 60%. Peripheral nerve manifestations constitute sensory neuropathy, including sensory ganglioneuronopathy, sensorimotor, including polyradiculoneuropathy and demyelinating neuropathy, motor neuropathy, multiple mononeuropathy, trigeminal and other cranial neuropathies, autonomic neuropathy, and mixed patterns of neuropathy.
Pathology in cases of sensory ganglioneuronopathy consists of loss of neuronal cell bodies and infiltration of T cells. Peripheral neuropathy in PSS often is refractory to treatment although newer biological agents may provide more effective treatment options. [4]
Though there is currently no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, its symptoms can be managed. Between 400,000 and 3.1 million adults have Sjögren's syndrome. [3] With more than 30 percent of patients presenting negative blood tests [5], physicians who routinely rely solely on ANA tests for diagnosis are doing their patients a disservice.
This represents between 120,000 and 1 million persons in the U.S. whose complaints may be dismissed or untreated. Beyond standard blood tests, diagnosis can be based on Schirmer tests, slit-lamp examination, lip biopsy, salivary function tests, urine tests, and chest X-rays. Don’t ignore the symptoms.
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To support the writing of useful articles about rheumatology, ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may sponsor specific articles or remit a small donation.
ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online to offset expense of the writing useful articles about rheumatology. Slide extra posters into DeuPair Frames without removing from the wall.
ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may remit a small donation.
You can support the writing of useful articles about rheumatology by sponsoring specific articles or remitting a small donation. Visible content is optimized for device size.
