Sjogren’s Syndrome Pictures

What is Sjogren’s syndrome?

It is a disorder of the immune system characterized by dry eyes and mouth leading to a decreased tears and saliva.

It affects people of any age but is more prevalent in people over 40 years old. It is more common in women than men. ^{(1, 2)}

Sjogren’s syndrome symptoms

picture 1: The eyes and mouth are extremely dry. The surface of the eye is damaged due to excessive dryness.

image source: theeyepractice.com

• The eyes are dry. The patient may also experience itchy, gritty, and burning sensation. It feels like there is a sand in the eyes.
• The mouth is dry. The patient feels like the mouth is full of cotton, which makes it extremely difficult to speak and swallow.
• The patient also complains of swelling and stiffness in the joints.
• Vaginal dryness
• Dry skin
• Fatigue ⁽²⁾

Sjogren’s syndrome causes

It is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system (responsible for attacking bad/harmful organisms) attack the body’s own cells and tissues. It first attacks the salivary and tears glands. After some time, it will eventually attack other parts of the body like the joints, kidneys, thyroid, lungs, liver, nerves, and skin. ^{(3, 4, and 5)}

Sjogren’s syndrome complications

picture 2: The mouth is extremely dry and the teeth have a lot of cavities.

photo source: slidesharecdn.com

picture 3: The eyes are dry, red, and sensitive to light.

image source: omicsgroup.org

If the symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome are left untreated, they could lead to serious health conditions. Complications usually involve the eyes and mouth. Dry mouth can lead to dental cavities because the saliva protects the teeth from bacteria.

You will be prone to a yeast infection such as oral thrush. The eyes become excessively dry which makes it sensitive to light. The patient will complain about blurry vision. Eventually, the patient’s cornea will be damaged.

Other possible complications include lungs, kidneys, and liver disease. There is also a possibility of Sjogren’s lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes). The nerves get numb. The patient will also complain of burning and tingling sensation in the hands and feet. ^{(4, 5, and 6)}

Sjogren’s diagnosis

Diagnosing Sjogren’s syndrome can be quite difficult because its clinical manifestations have similarities to other diseases.

Some drugs may have side effects similar to the signs and symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome. To pinpoint the exact diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome, various tests, and diagnostic procedures should be done. These include the following:

• Blood Test

The doctor will check the level of blood cells, the presence of antibodies, the function of the liver and kidneys, and evidence of inflammation. ^{(6, 7)}

• Eye examination

The doctor will assess the severity of the dryness of the eyes using Schirmer tear test. A filter paper is placed under the lower eyelid to measure the eye’s ability to produce tears. The surface of the eye will be checked by an ophthalmologist using a slit lamp.

• Imaging studies

Various imaging studies are helpful in diagnosing Sjogren’s syndrome. These include sialogram and salivary scintigraphy. A biopsy of the lip might be necessary if the doctor wants to check if there is a cluster of inflammatory cells. ^{(7, 8)}

picture 4: A schirmer tear test uses a tiny piece of filter paper to check the eye’s ability to produce tear.

photo source: allivet.com

picture 5: An imaging study called sialogram is used to confirm the diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome.

image source: slideplayer.com

Sjogren’s syndrome treatment

The treatment approach depends on which part of the body is affected. If the eyes are involved, you have to apply over the counter eye drops. If the eyes are severely infected, then a prescription eye medication is needed. If the mouth is affected, the doctor will prescribe drugs that stimulate the production of saliva. ^{(2, 4, and 5)}

Surgery

image 6: A tiny plug is inserted is inserted into the tear duct to preserve tears.

photo source: corkeyeclinic.ie

To relieve the dryness of the eyes, the doctor might perform a minor procedure to seal the tear ducts. To preserve your tear, a silicon plug or collagen is inserted into the ducts. ^{(1, 3)}

Sjogren’s syndrome natural treatment

Self-care measures can help improve the patient’s condition. These include:

• Keeping the eyes clean and moisturized using artificial tears without preservatives.
• Reduce the exposure to blowing air and increase the indoor humidity.
• Do not smoke as it can irritate the mouth.
• Increase your fluid intake.
• Make sure you maintain a good oral hygiene.
• If you have Sjogren’s syndrome rash, it is important to keep your skin clean and apply skin moisturizer while the skin is still damp. ^{(4, 5, and 8)}

References

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sjogrens-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353216
2. https://www.medicinenet.com/sjogrens_syndrome/article.htm
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sjogrens-syndrome/
4. https://www.sjogrens.org/home/about-sjogrens
5. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/332125-overview
6. https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Sjogrens-Syndrome
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sj%C3%B6gren_syndrome
8. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/233747.php