What is Sjogren’s Syndrome? What Does it Do? Who Suffers From It?
According to the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation – a foundation that has been created to help people who suffer from Sjogren’s Syndrome learn more about it, as well as to educate the general public on this actually rather common disease of mouth.
Sjogren’s Syndrome is defined as a “chronic autoimmune disease in which people’s white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands.” During the present day, as many as four million people in the United States are estimated to be suffering from this disease.
For those who suffer, the symptoms are rather numerous and place them in a much higher bracket of risk for contracting gum disease, suffering from receding gums, bleeding gums, tooth decay and tooth loss. It is considered to be one of the most common autoimmune disorders, and according to the expert statistics, nine out of ten of the people who suffer from it are female.
What Are the Symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome?
The most common symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome include decreased moisture production from the moisture producing glands in the face and in the rest of the body. The most common ailments are dry eyes and a dry mouth. However, for those who suffer from this disease, they are also at risk of developing other diseases such as a connective tissue disease called Primary Sjögren’s, rheumatoid arthritis and gum disease.
When left untreated, the disease can progress and cause debilitating ailments that include the loss of hair, impaired bodily functions and overall discomfort in the patient. It is important to note that the symptoms of this disease are often similar to other, different diseases.
If you believe that you may be suffering from Sjogren’s Syndrome it is critical that you be evaluated by a medical professional who can properly diagnose your condition and prescribe an effective treatment regiment for you.
Can You Prevent and Treat Sjogren’s Syndrome?
This disease was first diagnosed in 1933 by Dr. Henrik Sjögren, which is whom it’s named after. It is a hereditary disease, and while it’s relatively unknown why some people will get it and others will not, there truly is no way to prevent it, and as of the present day, there also is not a cure for Sjogren’s Syndrome.
However, you can manage the disease and its symptoms by using certain medications. The most common methods of treatment include using over the counter eye drops that are used throughout the day to keep the eyes moisturized as well as over the counter artificial saliva producers that keep the mouth hydrated.
When the disease becomes internalized, it is not uncommon for patients to be prescribed certain medications called immunosuppressive medications, which help to treat the internal symptoms of this disease. Thankfully, this disease can be affordably and effectively managed by using mostly over the counter products that are available at most drugstores.
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