Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease, characterized by the abnormal production of extra antibodies in the blood that are directed against various tissues of the body. This particular autoimmune illness features inflammation in the glands of the body. Inflammation of the glands that produce tears (lacrimal glands) leads to decreased water production for tears and eye dryness. Inflammation of the glands that produce the saliva in the mouth (salivary glands, including the parotid glands) leads to mouth dryness.

Causes of Sjogren's Syndrome

the exact cause of Sjogren's syndrome is not known, there is growing scientific support for genetic (inherited) factors. The illness is sometimes found in other family members. It is also found more commonly in families that have members with other autoimmune illnesses, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune thyroid disease, juvenile diabetes , etc. 90% of Sjogren's syndrome patients are female.

Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome

Symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome can involve the glands, as above, but there are also possible affects of the illness involving other organs of the body, other symptoms are:

Dry eyes
Dry mouth
Dental cavities
Fatigue
Fever
Enlarged parotid glands - one particular set of your salivary glands, located behind your jaw and in front of your ears
Difficulty swallowing or chewing
Change in sense of taste
Hoarseness
Oral yeast infections, such as candidiasis
Irritation and mild bleeding in your nose
Skin rashes or dry skin
Vaginal dryness
Dry cough that doesn't produce sputum

Diagnosis of Sjogren's Syndrome

The diagnosis is often based on clinical findings. Blood tests may be performed. The Schirmer test, measures the quantity of tears secreted into the eye.

Medical exam
Lab tests
Chest X-rays
Lip biopsy
Urine test (for kidney function)

Treatment of Sjogren's Syndrome

Avoid eating foods that can dry or irritate your mouth, such as nuts, chocolate, strong cheeses, and shellfish. Avoid having drinks with caffeine in them, such as coffee or tea, or alcohol.
Salt water (saline) nasal sprays can help dryness in the passages of the nose. Vaginal lubricant should be considered for sexual intercourse.
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) has been helpful for some manifestations of Sjogren's syndrome.
Avoid smoking as it can damage your mouth, nose, eyes and lungs.
Use creams and lotions to keep your skin from drying out. Lanolin cream, light mineral oil, petroleum jelly, cocoa butter lotion or baby oil work well at keeping your skin moist.
Use eyedrops containing cyclosporine (Restasis) to treat symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome that affect your eyes.
Corticosteroids medications reduce inflammation and may slow joint damage. In the short term, corticosteroids can make you feel dramatically better. But when used for many months or years, they may become less effective and also cause serious side effects. Side effects may include easy bruising, thinning of your bones, cataracts, weight gain, a round face, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Anti-inflammatory medication for joint or muscle pain

Surgery Treatment

To relieve dry eyes is to undergo a minor surgical procedure to seal the tear ducts that drain tears from your eyes (punctal occlusion). Collagen or silicone plugs are inserted into the ducts for a temporary closure. Collagen plugs eventually dissolve, but silicone plugs will keep ducts sealed until they fall out or are removed. Your doctor may use a laser to permanently seal your ducts.

Prevention Tips of Sjogren's Syndrome

Drinking lots of fluids, particularly water, helps to reduce dry mouth. Lemon juice in water may help stimulate salivary flow. Sugarless gum or hard candies also may help.
If dry skin is a problem, avoid using very hot water to wash and avoid soaking your hands in water or cleaning solutions. Pat your skin - don't rub - with a towel and apply moisturizers when your skin is still damp. Use rubber gloves when doing dishes or housecleaning. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants help women who experience vaginal dryness.
Increasing the indoor humidity or protecting yourself in windy environments may help you reduce dryness.
Brush your teeth after every meal and schedule regular dental appointments to protect against the increased risk of dental cavities. Your dentist or doctor may also tell you to use daily topical fluoride treatments and antimicrobial mouthwashes. Artificial saliva products can help keep your mouth feeling moist.

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