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- This is an autoimmune disease (the body mistakenly attacks itself) in which glands that secrete fluids are attacked, and therefore function abnormally. In most cases, the tear duct glands (lacrimal glands) and mucous membrane glands are affected. Persons may have Sjogren's Syndrome alone, or in association with other diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, Polymyositis, and Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis.
- Also, Sjogren's Syndrome
exists predominantly in women by a ratio of 9:1. It most commonly occurs between 40 and 60 years of age. By itself, Sjogren's is a benign disease, and there is only a need to treat the symptoms. Sjogren's is associated with other diseases, and has serious complications as we detail below.
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- Dry eyes
- Red, inflamed eyes
- Enlargement of glands (parotid) in the front of the ears
- Dry mouth
- Dry throat
- Dry nose
- Loss of taste
- Loss of smell
- Dry vagina
- Dry skin
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- Mild anemia
- Decreased white blood cell count
- The Rheumatoid factor is positive in 70% of the individuals
- Hypergammaglobinemia may be present
- ANA may be positive
- Antibodies against RNA, salivary glands, thyroid glands, or lacrimal ducts may be found
- Antibodies against SS-A or SS-B
- A Schirmer test measures the quantity of the tears that are produced.
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- There is currently no cure.
- Symptomatic:
- Artificial tears
- Mouth kept lubricated
- Avoid decongestants and atropine or atropine-like medications
- Good dental hygiene
- Vaginal lubrication before sexual relations
- Estrogen replacement if postmenopausal women, if no contraindications
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