Sjogren's Syndrome

Syndrome Sjogren( dry syndrome) - an inflammatory systemic lesion of connective tissue, which is characterized by involvement in the pathological process of salivary glands, lacrimal glands, and glands of mucous membranes. As a result of the inflammatory process, dysfunction of these glands occurs, which leads to a significant decrease in the amount of secretion produced. Most often( nine cases out of ten), Sjogren's syndrome affects women over the age of 40, but there have been cases when the disease was diagnosed at a younger age, in women with ovarian hyperfunction. Also, this disease occurs in the presence of systemic diseases such as lupus erythematosus, periarteritis nodosa, scleroderma and sarcoidosis

Sjogren's Syndrome causes

Currently no precise information about the cause of this syndrome are absent, however, after much observation and research assumed that Sjögren's syndrome occurs due toGenetic predisposition. Aggravating factors in the development of this disease are transferred nervously - mental overexertion, hypothermia, exhaustion and viral infections

Sjogren's syndrome signs and symptoms

The most common symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome is directly related to the insufficient production of secretion glands in the body. These include:

- Dryness in the pharynx, nose and mouth. The feeling of dryness often causes problems during conversation and swallowing. People become difficult enough to eat solid food, and the use of dry( crackers, cookies, etc.) becomes almost impossible. In the oral cavity, the formation of ulcers may occur, taste sensations may change. One of the most common problems that arises from the long existence of dryness is the development of caries. In some cases, there are ear infections and nasal bleeding

- Dryness in the eyes. The most common concern is burning sensation, itching, a sense of the presence of a foreign body in the eyes;increased sensitivity to light( photophobia), there is a marked conjunctival redness

- parotid glands

- Dry skin

- vaginal dryness. Consequently intercourse becomes quite painful

addition to the above symptoms can be observed increase in the overall body temperature, stiffness and pain in joints, malaise, muscle pain, and loss of hair

syndrome Diagnostics Sjogren

burning eyes and dry mouth can not alwaysMean that we are talking about the presence of a given syndrome in a person. Diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome is possible only in the presence of inflammatory lesions of glands. However, there are cases when a similar result can result in various metabolic diseases, in which the secretion of saliva is significantly reduced( most often it is diabetes mellitus).As a result, the function of salivary and lacrimal glands is prematurely reduced in senile individuals. These forms of dryness of the eyes and mouth have nothing to do with Sjögren's syndrome. Also for the diagnosis of this syndrome is the study of tissues. For this type of study, small fragments of the oral mucosa are taken, which are examined with a microscope. Thus set

mucous glands of Sjögren's syndrome treated

main objectives in treatment of Sjogren's syndrome are treated burning eye symptoms and dryness of the mouth, as well as removal of localized inflammation.

The removal of the inflammatory process presents quite serious difficulties, since with Sjögren's syndrome there are discussed such diseases as systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic polyarthritis. In such cases, the appointed medicamentous preparations Similar to medications used in the treatment of these diseases( immunosuppressants, cortisone, etc.), Especially when joining of symptoms such as fatigue and fever

oral cavity

Dryness of the oral cavity is a rather unpleasant symptom, which causes a rather strong thirst. Saliva performs not only the role of moisturizing fluid, which helps with swallowing and chopping food, but also protects the oral mucosa from possible infection. Therefore, an insufficient amount of produced saliva often leads to tooth decay and to various dentogingival inflammatory processes. Because of this, it is necessary to engage in quality oral care: periodically rinse the oral cavity with special antiseptic solutions, and also brush your teeth several times a day, it is recommended to use sugar-free chewing gums.

Sometimes there are cases when pathogens migrate from the oral cavity to the salivary glands, thereby causing their infection. In this case, a sudden, painful swelling of the salivary glands arises, which is often accompanied by a fever. In this condition, treatment with antibiotics, as well as sprays or aerosols containing the artificial saliva

is indicated. Eyes

Decreased production of tear fluid leads to hyperemia of the cornea and conjunctiva of the eye. For treatment, multiple daily moisturizing of the eyes is shown by instillation of artificial tears;Before going to bed shows the use of ophthalmic ointment. Due to the absence of tear fluid, a strong infection of the eye is possible, therefore, at the first signs of the inflammatory process, it is necessary to immediately contact the oculist

. The

nasal cavity. Use of special nasal sprays is shown for wetting the overhung mucous membranes of the nose. Also during the treatment it is necessary to maintain the recommended humidity with an air humidifier or conditioner

Genitals

Dryness of the vagina and labia causes strong pain during sexual intercourse, and also increases the likelihood of infection. To moisten these areas of the body, the attending physician prescribes an appropriate cream or gel.