Sjogren's syndrome Flashcards
Defintion of Sjogren’s syndrome
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the moisture-producing glands, leading to chronic dryness of the eyes and mouth. It can also affect other parts of the body, including the joints, skin, and organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system.
Diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome
Diagnosing Sjögren’s syndrome involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests, including:
Symptoms assessment: Dry eyes, dry mouth, and other associated symptoms.
Blood tests: Checking for specific autoantibodies like anti-SSA (Ro) and anti-SSB (La) antibodies, as well as markers of inflammation.
Schirmer’s test: Measures the production of tears.
Salivary flow rate: Measures the production of saliva.
Minor salivary gland biopsy: Examining the salivary gland tissue for inflammation and characteristic changes.
Symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome
Dry eyes: Persistent dryness, burning, and gritty sensation in the eyes.
Dry mouth: Difficulty swallowing, speaking, and tasting, increased dental cavities, and oral infections.
Fatigue: Chronic fatigue and lack of energy.
Joint pain and stiffness: Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
Dry skin, nose, and throat: Dryness and irritation in the skin, nose, and throat.
Systemic symptoms: Some individuals may experience systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and muscle aches.
Treatment Sjogren’s syndrome
Treatment for Sjögren’s syndrome aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. It may include:
Symptomatic relief: Artificial tears, lubricating eye drops, and mouth lubricants to alleviate dryness.
Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids for joint pain and inflammation. Immunosuppressive drugs may be prescribed for severe cases.
Saliva stimulation: Chewing sugar-free gum or using saliva substitutes to alleviate dry mouth symptoms.
Dental care: Regular dental check-ups to prevent dental decay and oral infections.
Moisture management: Use of humidifiers to add moisture to the air.
Systemic complications management: Treating specific complications, such as lung or kidney involvement, with appropriate medications.
Complications of Sjogren’s syndrome
Dental problems: Increased risk of dental decay, oral infections, and gum disease.
Eye complications: Corneal ulcers, infections, and vision changes.
Systemic complications: Involvement of other organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, liver, and nervous system, leading to various complications.
Lymphoma: An increased risk of developing lymphoma, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
