Sjogren's syndrome. What is it?

Many residents of large gassed cities, often experience dry mouth and eyes. Most often such symptoms quickly pass without leaving a trace. But sometimes it happens that the dryness increases, neither preventive drops, nor a large amount of liquid is removed.

This condition can be the first sign of a severe autoimmune disease, which is popularly called "dry", and the medicine classifies as Sjogren's syndrome, or "dry syndrome."

With this disease, the salivary, vaginal, sweat, tear and other glands that produce moisture cease to function normally.

How can I determine if excessive dryness is associated with ordinary thirst or is it Sjogren's syndrome? Symptoms of autoimmune disease are increasing every day.

Eyes first turn red, then there is a feeling of "sand" under the eyelids, there is itching, burning. Constant scratching of itching eyelids can lead to the development of conjunctivitis.

The dryness of the lips and tongue greatly complicates the swallowing of food, especially dry, hinders the conversation. Later, ulcers in the mouth, nosebleeds, impaired sense of smell and taste sensations may develop. A strong hoarseness develops in the voice.

Women have vaginal itching, burning, mucous membranes become dry, and sexual intercourse is painful.

The skin becomes dry, often rough, there is a clear lack of moisture in it.

If already at this stage do not seek advice from a specialist, best of all, rheumatologist, endocrinologist or gynecologist, then there are muscle and joint pains, general weakness grows.

Very often the patients freeze feet, hands, ears. Often the feeling of piercing cold in these parts of the body can be sharply replaced by a feeling of intense heat. The color of the limbs can vary from cyanotic to bright red.

Experts noted in many patients morning stiffness, a change in the acidity of gastric juice, a decrease in the level of iron in the blood.

It is suggested that Sjogren's syndrome is provoked by a viral infection or a genetic predisposition.

Often, it manifests itself in women in the climacteric or premenopausal period. Then it is considered primary. If the disease is not treated, it can affect the internal organs. Sometimes the symptoms that characterize the disease accompany other diseases: red lupus, scleroderma, etc. In this case, we can talk about the secondary syndrome of Sjogren.

Diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome, whose treatment is the work of specialists of different profiles, is established after the delivery of tests and interview with a doctor. Since there are no special tests, the physician must accurately and competently question the patient, closely study the tests.

Usually a blood test shows an increased rate of erythrocyte sedimentation, a large number of specific antibodies, a C-reactive protein.

Treatment of the initial stage of the disease often boils down to the increased implementation of hygiene requirements. Thorough brushing of teeth, the use of chewing gums, the use of glasses to protect the eyes from dust and sun make it easier. To eliminate dryness of the nasopharynx, it is recommended to use a pulverizer with a 1% solution of glycerin. The skin can also be irrigated from the nebulizer. It is very important to ensure that the humidity in the room does not fall below 65%.

At later stages, the doctor may prescribe pain medications, glucocorticoids. It is very important to remember that Sjogren's syndrome does not allow the use of drops from the common cold and antihistamines, because they only increase dryness.

Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic disease that can pass, and then resume. Therefore, people who are inclined towards him, it is recommended to visit the doctor at least four times a year.