Causes and risk factors
This condition is an autoimmune disorder, in which the body’s own immune system destroys the nerve cells or motor neurons. Genetic factor and a strong family history is the major contributing factor. Females have high estrogen levels hence they are more commonly affected. It can be associated with other diseases also e.g. rheumatoid arthritis.
Clinical presentation:
In this disease, not only the moisture secreting glands are affected but even other parts can be affected such as skin, kidney, nerves, lungs and liver are also affected.
Dryness is the cardinal symptoms. It persists in eyes, respiratory passages, mouth, and vagina and in skin. Manifestations at the level of joints seen are swelling and stiffness. Fatigue, bodycahe, anemia are other affections seen. Decrease WBC and platelet count, lymphoma and thyroid affections are seen. Sjogrens syndrome can cause complications like disturbances in vision leading to blurred vision, or corneal ulceration, Dryness in mouth can lead to ulcer formation and yeast infection, caries can develop.
Investigations
The diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and physical examination. There is no single test for diagnosis. Ophthalmic examination is carried out. Salivary gland biopsy is the confirmatory test. However certain tests which can be advised are blood test, Ra factor test, Schirmer tear test and sailogram.
Treatment
The essential measure for oral complaints is proper dental checkups and timely treatment.
Medications like non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressing drugs are advised. Artificial tear supplements can also be advised. Oral administrations of medications are prescribed for increasing the saliva.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms
Recent update:
A Research Letter published in the November 6 issue of Jama suggests that Autoantibodies are present many years before symptom onset in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome.
