Sjogren's syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome affects four million people in the U.S. alone.  90% of these patients are women.  This is one of the many autoimmune diseases.  It primarily leads to a decrease in saliva and tears.  People often complain of dry eye, dry mouth, fatigue and joint pain.  Other less common symptoms include difficulty chewing, talking or swallowing, sore tongue, burning throat, skin dryness, digestive problems and a dry nose. 

Systemically, it can affect the kidneys, lungs, GI system and the nervous system.  Patients with Sjogren's are at high risk for developing lymphoma.  Ophthalmologists are often the first to see these patients because they complain of burning eyes or decreased vision.  If the systemic diagnosis of Sjogren's is suspected, care must be coordinated with the patient's internist.  Unfortunately, because specialists tend to concentrate on their particular field, it can take up to seven years for the diagnosis to be made. 

The typical Sjogren's patient is a middle aged woman with dry hair, skin and eyes.  The dry eye can be moderate to severe.  Blood work can be ordered to confirm the diagnosis, but it is only positive in 65% of the cases. 

Treatment is coordinated between specialists geared to address the particular problem a patient has. 

If you have any of the symptoms discussed here, you might just be a Sjogren's patient.  There is help available to treat the symptoms although there is no cure.  Rarely, a patient who develops Lymphoma may not do as well, but overall, this is a treatable condition.