Open Source Health|

The factors that cause Sjorgren’s Syndrome are still mostly unknown.  Researchers around the country are continually studying those who suffer from the illness in order to learn more about its cause.  Currently there is no cure for Sjorgren’s Syndrome and with good management of symptoms patients can live a long, normal life.

Sjorgren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder where the infection fighting white blood cells attack glands throughout the body focusing on the ones that produce moisture and lubrication.  Symptoms of Sjorgren’s can vary widely from person to person and it may take years to get an accurate diagnosis.

Nine out of ten patients with Sjorgren’s are women, and the majority of those are over the age of 40.  However Sjorgren’s does not discriminate and has been found to effect men and children as well.  Researchers are looking for links between genetics, hormones and other connective tissue diseases hoping to find a common factor that may contribute to Sjorgren’s.

For those who suffer from Sjorgren’s some symptoms are common. Dryness of the mouth and eyes affects nearly all sufferers of Sjorgren’s Syndrome.  Being without these basic bodily functions can be very disruptive to normal daily activities.  Learning to manage the symptoms is the best defense for Sjorgren’s until a cure is found to cure sjogren’s syndrome. Without 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. Prescription eye drops are treatments for sjogren’s syndrome may help with tear production and synthetic liquids for the mouth can help replace moisture that saliva normally would.

Symptoms can be managed with prescription medications, natural alternative for sjogren’s syndrome or some purchased over the counter.

Prescription eye drops 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