Strategies For Managing Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome is an immune system disorder that primarily impacts the salivary and tear glands. The condition is most often diagnosed in female patients over forty years old. Patients with this syndrome typically have both a dry mouth and dry eyes. The eyes may feel itchy or stingy, and patients may have a chronic cough that makes swallowing painful. Some patients might also experience pain, stiffness, and swelling in their joints, and the salivary glands may swell. Many individuals with this syndrome frequently feel fatigued. To diagnose Sjogren's syndrome, doctors normally perform several blood tests, and they may wish to carry out a slit lamp exam of the eyes. Imaging studies of the salivary glands, including sialograms and salivary scintigraphy, may be particularly helpful in confirming this diagnosis. A biopsy of the salivary glands may sometimes be needed.