User:Mr. Ibrahem/Sjögren syndrome
Medical condition / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sjögren syndrome (SjS, SS) is a long-term autoimmune disease that affects the body's moisture-producing glands.[4] Primary symptoms are a dry mouth and dry eyes.[2] Other symptoms can include dry skin, vaginal dryness, a chronic cough, numbness in the arms and legs, feeling tired, muscle and joint pains, and thyroid problems.[4] Those affected are also at an increased risk (5%) of lymphoma.[2][7]
Sjögren syndrome | |
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Other names | Sjögren's syndrome, sicca syndrome |
Image with a microscope of focal lymphoid infiltration in the minor salivary gland associated with Sjögren syndrome. | |
Pronunciation |
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Symptoms | Dry mouth, dry eyes, other areas of dryness[2] |
Complications | Lymphoma[2] |
Usual onset | Middle age[2][3] |
Duration | Long term[4] |
Causes | Autoimmune disease (unknown cause)[4] |
Diagnostic method | Tissue biopsy, blood tests[2] |
Differential diagnosis | Medication side effect, anxiety, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis[5] |
Treatment | Artificial tears, medications to reduce inflammation, surgery[4] |
Prognosis | Normal life expectancy[6] |
Frequency | ~0.7%[7] |
While the exact cause is unclear, it is believed to involve a combination of genetics and an environmental trigger such as exposure to a virus or bacteria.[4] It can occur independently of other health problems (primary Sjögren syndrome) or as a result of another connective tissue disorder (secondary Sjögren syndrome).[3] The inflammation that results progressively damages the glands.[7] Diagnosis is by biopsy of moisture-producing glands and blood tests looking for specific antibodies.[2] On biopsy there are typically lymphocytes within the glands.[2]
Treatment is directed at the person's symptoms.[4] For dry eyes artificial tears, medications to reduce inflammation, punctal plugs, or surgery to shut the tear ducts may be tried.[4] For a dry mouth, chewing gum (preferably sugar-free), sipping water, or a saliva substitute may be used.[4] In those with joint or muscle pain, ibuprofen may be used.[4] Medications that can cause dryness, such as antihistamines, may also be stopped.[4]
The disease was described in 1933 by Henrik Sjögren, after whom it is named; however, a number of earlier descriptions of people with the symptoms exist.[3] Between 0.2% and 1.2% of the population are affected, with half having the primary form and half the secondary form.[7] Females are affected about ten times as often as are males.[3] Though the disease commonly begins in middle age, anyone can be affected.[2][3] Among those without other autoimmune disorders, life expectancy is unchanged.[6]