Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome : Common Causes and Management Tips

Understanding Sjogren's Syndrome: Types, Diagnosis & Treatment 

Living with Sjogren's syndrome can make you feel like you're walking through a dry desert. Simple tasks become hard, and discomfort follows you everywhere. This autoimmune disease affects glands that cause moisture, causing symptoms like dry eyes and mouth.

Sjogren's disease is estimated at 6.9 cases per 100,000 person-years; the prevalence of the disease has been found at 60.8 cases per 100,000 people. The disease shows a striking female predominance. According to its studies, the female-to-male ratio ranges from 9:1 to 28:1.

To manage their symptoms and live better, people with Sjogren's syndrome need to understand it well. Let's find out what Sjogren's syndrome is, what causes it, its major symptoms, how doctors diagnose it, and how to treat it.

What is Sjogren's Syndrome?

So, what is Sjogren's syndrome? It is a chronic autoimmune disorder that is also called Sjogren's disease. In this disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands in the eyes, mouth, and other places, causing dry eyes and mouth. 

You might feel dryness in your nose, throat, and skin. Besides, the disease can also affect joints, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, digestive system organs, and nerves. However, for a majority of people with Sjogren's, their health is good, and they would not have serious complications.

What are the Types of Sjogren's Syndrome?

The medical professional may use two terms that describe different forms of Sjogren's syndrome:

What are the Causes of Sjogren's Syndrome?

Although the cause of Sjogren's syndrome is unknown, researchers think that it involves genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. The following health conditions could lead to secondary Sjogren’s syndrome, especially other autoimmune disorders, and certain viral infections.

Viral infections associated with the development of secondary Sjogren’s syndrome include:

• Hepatitis C
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV)
• COVID-19

Any autoimmune disease can induce secondary Sjogren’s syndrome. Among some autoimmune diseases associated with Sjogren’s syndrome are the following diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, and many more. 

Numerous illnesses are linked to Sjogren's syndrome by research, but if an individual is suffering from one of these particular diseases, this does not assure them that they will develop Sjogren's syndrome.

What are the Risk Factors for Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Any person can be diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome, but certain groups are more susceptible:

• Women and individuals assigned female at birth are far more likely to be diagnosed. More than 90% of those with the condition are diagnosed in this category. Although those assigned male at birth are susceptible, the rate of occurrence is significantly lower.
• Individuals with other autoimmune diseases are also at higher risk, as roughly half of patients diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome have an additional autoimmune condition.
• The common age group affected is between the ages of 45 and 55 years. Though the syndrome may occur in children, younger adults, and those over 55, it mainly occurs in adults within that particular age range.
• A family history of Sjogren’s syndrome is another risk factor, with about 10% of individuals diagnosed having a direct relative, such as a biological parent or sibling, who also has the condition.

What are the Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome?

The major symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome include dry eyes and dry mouth, but one or the other may be present, or both can occur at the same time.

Some of the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome eyes may include:

• A gritty sensation
• A burning or itchy feeling
• Photophobia or sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Irritation, itchiness, and inflammation of the eyelids

Some of the symptoms of dry mouth might be:

• A chalky sensation
• Difficulties with swallowing, tasting, or talking
• Oral infection, for example, oral thrush
• Oral cavity problem, like dental caries

Sjogren’s syndrome also causes inflammation in other tissues of the body, leading to a lot of general symptoms. More possible symptoms include:

• Dry skin
• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• Vaginal dryness
• Difficulty focusing and remembering things
• Sleep disturbance
• Breathlessness
• Drying of the nasal passages and throat
• Dry cough
• Weakness in muscle
• Acid reflux
• Muscle aches
• Rashes on the skin
• Swollen nodes of the neck and face
• Numbness and tingling feeling in the arms and legs

In addition, some patients might have:

• Peripheral neuropathy
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Abnormal liver function test
• Raynaud's phenomenon

Sjogren's Syndrome Test

A healthcare provider will diagnose Sjogren’s syndrome through an examination and several tests. They look at your body and ask about your symptoms. In general, diagnosing Sjogren’s syndrome often involves a process of elimination.

For instance, your provider may perform several tests to rule out any other conditions that may cause your symptoms before diagnosing Sjogren’s syndrome. Some tests you may require include the following:

• Blood tests
• Biopsies
• Dental cleaning and check-up
• Ophthalmological tests and eye examination
• Urinalysis
• X-rays
• Salivary flow rate
• Salivary scintigraphy
• Sialogram
• Chest X-ray or CT scan

You may also be required to visit several specialists, like a rheumatologist, an eye care specialist, an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT), or a dentist.

Sjogren’s Syndrome Treatment 

Sjogren’s syndrome treatment primarily consists of moisturizing the affected areas and preventing complications. Some notable treatment methods include:

• Saliva Enhancing Medications: It has been found useful with medications such as pilocarpine and cevimeline, which can stimulate saliva production but only work for some hours, hence implying the patient takes multiple doses daily.
• Sialagogues:: This includes saliva substitutes and mouth gels, which can reduce the symptoms of dry mouth. It is available in the form of spray, pre-treated swabs, and liquid. Such products can be extremely helpful at night when dryness is particularly worse.
• Artificial Tears:: Sjogren’s syndrome treatment also includes artificial tears that can help maintain moist eyes, and there are some over-the-counter varieties. Prescription varieties, such as cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion and hydroxypropyl cellulose pellets, can significantly reduce the reliance on artificial tears.
• Eye Drops: Your healthcare provider might advise using over-the-counter or prescription artificial eye drops to lubricate your eyes. These ones might actually reduce the need for artificial tears depending on the prescription, and some are prescribed as such, including cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion and hydroxypropyl cellulose pellets.
• Prescription Expectorants and Throat Treatments:  : For respiratory dryness, patients with Sjogren's can be given medications that encourage the flow of saliva, such as linseed extract, sorbitol, xylitol, or malic acid.
• NSAIDs: Patients with Sjogren's can be prescribed pain relievers for the joint, including aspirin, naproxen, or ibuprofen.
• Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) : If joint pain is accompanied by fatigue and rashes, DMARDs like hydroxychloroquine or methotrexate may help. Stronger DMARDs, corticosteroids, or rituximab may be used if Sjogren's affects muscles, nerves, lungs, or kidneys.
• Vaginal Lubricants: Your doctor may advise you to use store-bought or prescribed lubricants that will keep your vagina well-moistened throughout the day or during the time of sex.

Home Remedies for Sjogren's Syndrome

You can take several self-help measures in order to minimize your symptoms.

For Sjogren's Syndrome Mouth 

• Drink water several times a day.
• You might chew on sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candies to induce saliva production and keep your mouth moist.
• Avoid carbonated drinks spicy, salty, acidic, and dry foodstuffs because these can irritate your mouth further.
• Difficulty swallowing often requires that you eat moist foods and swallow water during meals. If you have low taste sensitivity, liquid may be added to your food.
• Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day to help prevent cavities.
• Do not use mouthwashes that have alcohol as an ingredient.
• Oil pulling with olive oil or coconut oil for a few minutes can be soothing.
• Apply edible oils that moisturize, such as coconut oil or vitamin E, directly to dry spots on your mouth or tongue. The use of lip balm also helps if your lips are dry.
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, as these elements exacerbate dryness in the mouth.

For Sjogren's Syndrome Face

• Avoid eyes-drying things, such as smoky places, windy rooms, smoke, dust, and fans.
• Take intervals while working at the computer and rest your eyes.
• Wear protective glasses with a wraparound shape, moisture chamber glasses, or goggles to protect your eyes from dry air.
• Avoid eye shadow or cream on eyelids.
• Place a warm, damp washcloth over your eyelids for several minutes before bed and when waking up to help calm your oil glands and reduce irritation.
• Use a humidifier or vaporizer at night to help soothe dry eyes, nose, and mouth. Consider integrating a whole-house humidifier into your HVAC system.
• If your nose is dry, consider using a nasal saline spray or gel.
• Use warm water when bathing or showering
• Apply moisturizer on a regular basis.

What are Some Sjogren's Syndrome Complications?

Sjögren's syndrome mainly affects the mouth and eyes, although it can cause many other problems. Dry eyes can result in light sensitivity, impaired vision, and even corneal damage. Saliva deficiency raises the risk of mouth diseases like thrush, a yeast infection, and dental cavities.

To reduce these dangers, Sjogren's Syndrome treatments such as artificial tears, saliva replacements, and careful tooth care are necessary.

Less Common Complications

Sjögren's syndrome may also lead to systemic issues affecting various organs and systems, including:

• Lungs, Kidneys, or Liver: Inflammation can cause pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney problems, or liver issues like hepatitis and cirrhosis.
• Lymph Nodes: A few people can also develop lymphoma, which is a kind of cancer in the lymph nodes.
• Nerves: Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the hands and feet might occur due to peripheral neuropathy.

Taking proactive measures via Sjögren's syndrome self-care, such as staying hydrated, using humidifiers, and dealing with dryness, can prevent these complications.

Sjögren's syndrome can be difficult to manage because its symptoms frequently interfere with day-to-day functioning. However, most people may successfully manage their symptoms and lead satisfying lives with the correct combination of treatments and careful self-care. Early diagnosis and care can avoid pain and preserve general health.

Taking care of your well-being starts with understanding your body and its needs. For added peace of mind, consider comprehensive health insurance from Star Health Insurance and ensure access to quality care when needed.