Symptoms of Sjorgren’s Syndrome can vary widely from person to person. Very often a correct diagnosis can take years. Due to its wide variety of symptoms it can manifest with symptoms similar to lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis. Sjorgren’s Syndrome is an auto- immune disorder where the white blood cells (the infection fighters) attack the moisture producing cells of the body. Sjorgren’s seems to attack the lacrimal glands (which make tears) and the salivary glands (which make saliva) most commonly.
Most often the primary symptom of dryness effects the mouth and eyes, but can also effect many other areas of the body and result in a wide variety of symptoms. Some symptoms include:
q Dry skin
q Dry mouth
q Chronic bronchitis
q Memory problems
q Numbness in the feet or legs
q Digestive problems
q Nose bleeds
q Arthritis or muscle pain
White blood cells circulate throughout the body and may attack in a variety of places. Symptoms may be mild and isolated to only one area or two, or could produce symptoms throughout the body. Diagnosis is difficult and often patients suffer for many years before an accurate diagnosis is made. A Rheumatologist is most often the kind of doctor who diagnoses Sjorgren’s Syndrome.
The symptoms of dry mouth and eyes affect nearly all sufferers of Sjorgren’s Syndrome. Without treatments for sjogren’s syndrome and proper moisture your eyes may be more likely to become infected, or you may have difficulty seeing clearly. Without saliva your mouth’s defenses against bacteria are weakened. Patients are more likely to suffer from tooth decay, or cavities and may have a decreased ability to taste what they eat.
Symptoms can be managed with prescription medications, natural remedy for sjogren’s syndrome or some purchased over the counter.
Prescription eye drops and natural alternative for sjogren’s syndrome may help with tear production and synthetic liquids for the mouth can help replace moisture that saliva normally would. If the internal organs are involved your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressive medications—meaning that they suppress the immune system to keep the white blood cells from attacking which may help reduce symptoms.