Sjogren’s Syndrome Symptoms and Treatment in Oklahoma

Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome is an immune disorder where mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands in your eyes and mouth are affected first. This results in decreased tears and saliva.

Often, this condition is accompanied by other immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

You can develop Sjogren's disease at any age. However, most people affected by this disorder are women over the age of 40 when they're diagnosed.

Signs and Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome

There are two main symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome to be cautious of:

• Dry eyes: your eyes may burn, itch or feel gritty
• Dry mouth: your mouth may feel like it's full of cotton

Other people with Sjogren's syndrome can also experience the following symptoms:

• Joint pain
• Swollen salivary glands
• Skin rashes or dry skin
• Vaginal dryness
• Persistent dry cough
• Prolonged fatigue

Causes of Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder, meaning your immune system mistakenly attacks your body's cells and tissues.

Scientists aren't certain why Sjogren's syndrome develops in some people. Certain genes may put people at a higher risk than others.

Sjogren's syndrome targets the glands that make tears and saliva. However, the disease can spread to affect other parts of your body, including:

• Joints
• Thyroid
• Liver
• Lungs
• Skin
• Nerves

Complications of Sjogren's Syndrome

The most common complications of Sjogren's syndrome involve both your eyes and mouth

• Dental cavities: higher chance of developing cavities if your mouth is too dry
• Yeast infections: more likely to develop oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth
• Vision problems: light sensitivity, blurred vision and corneal damage

Other complications but less common include:

• Lungs, kidneys and liver: inflammation in the lungs can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis and other lung issues. Also, problems with kidney function and possible hepatitis or cirrhosis in the liver.
• Lymph nodes: small possibility of developing lymph node cancer, lymphoma.
• Nerves: possible numbness, tingling, and burning in the hands and feet

Diagnosis for Sjogren's Syndrome

Diagnosing Sjogren's syndrome can be difficult because the signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. Additionally, Sjogren's syndrome can look similar to other immune disorders. Side effects of some medications mimic some of the signs and symptoms of Sjogren's disease as well.

Several tests can be useful to rule out other conditions before pinpointing the correct diagnosis.

Eye Tests

Since Sjogren's syndrome affects the eyes, doctors can measure the dryness in your eyes; this is called a Schirmer tear test.

Your doctor may recommend you see an ophthalmologist to determine if your eyes have any damage done to the cornea.

Imaging

Imaging can help check the function of your salivary glands.

• Sialogram: a special X-ray that can show how much saliva flows into your mouth
• Salivary scintigraphy: this nuclear medicine test involves injecting the vein with a radioactive isotope that's tracked over an hour to see how quickly it arrives in all your salivary glands

Biopsy

Your doctor may recommend a lip biopsy to detect the presence of inflammatory cell clusters, which can indicate Sjogren's syndrome. For this, a sliver of tissue is removed from the salivary glands in our lip and analyzed under a microscope for examination.

Treatments for Sjogren's Syndrome

Treatment for Sjogren's syndrome depends on which parts of the body are being affected. Many people manage the dry eyes and dry mouth of Sjogren's syndrome by using over-the-counter eyedrops and drinking water more frequently. However, some people need prescription medications and surgical procedures.

Medications

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend medications to help for the following:

• Eye inflammation: prescription eye drops cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegast (Xiidra) for moderate to severe dry eyes
• Saliva production: medications such as pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac) can help produce saliva. In some cases, it can help produce tears as well. Possible side effects may include sweating, abdominal pain, flushing and increased urination.
• Specific complications: for those who've developed arthritis symptoms, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) may help. Antifungal medications can help with yeast infections in the mouth.
• Treat systemwide symptoms: Hydroxychloroquine (Paquenil) can often help treat Sjogren's syndrome. Your doctor may also recommend methotrexate (Trexall) to help suppress your immune system.

INTEGRIS Health's rheumatology services are dedicated to providing comprehensive and specialized care for individuals diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, with a strong emphasis on personalized treatment plans tailored to meet each patient's unique needs.

With a team of experienced rheumatologists and advanced diagnostic tools, we look to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and manage the complex manifestations of Sjogren's syndrome. By adopting a patient-centered approach, providing education, and offering ongoing support, INTEGRIS Health empowers individuals to actively manage their condition, promoting greater control and enhanced well-being for those living with Sjogren's syndrome.