Sjogren's Syndrome - Cause - Diagnosis - Symptoms - Treatment

Sjogren's syndrome is an annoying but treatable condition. With effective treatment, most Sjogren's syndrome patients can live well. Discovered by Henrik Sjogren in the early 20th century, much more is now known about Sjogren's syndrome.

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder which can occur as a primary condition or as a secondary condition to another connective tissue disease. Dry eyes and dry mouth characterize the syndrome, but there is more you should know.

Sjogren's syndrome can occur as a primary condition or a secondary condition. Do you have symptoms associated with Sjogren's syndrome?

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system targets moisture-producing glands and causes dryness in the mouth and eyes. Primary Sjogren's syndrome occurs by itself. Secondary Sjogren's syndrome occurs with another disease.

Dry mouth can be a sign of certain diseases and conditions such as Sjogren's syndrome. Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. Dry mouth is more than uncomfortable, it can lead to serious health problems.

When the eyes don't produce enough tears or the right quality of tears, the result is a condition called keratitis sicca, popularly known as "dry eyes." Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome, are among the many causes of dry eyes.

Sjogren's syndrome is an arthritis-related condition. Dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain, and fatigue are primary symptoms.

Sjogren syndrome is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by dry mouth, decreased tearing, and other dry mucous membranes. It is often associated with autoimmune rheumatic disorders.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a persistent dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva due to decreased function of the tear glands or increased evaporation of tears. The cornea may be thickened and visual acuity may be decreased. Associated with Sjogren's syndrome and in rare cases, it can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other similar diseases.

Dry eyes are caused by a lack of tears. Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of your eyes and to wash away particles and foreign bodies.

Amyloidosis can be a primary condition or can be a secondary condition related to Sjogren's syndrome.

Tips on how to treat dry eyes.

Tips on the treatment of dry eyes.

Tips on treating dry mouth.

Tips on treating dry skin.

Dry skin is most common in your lower legs, arms, flanks (sides of the abdomen), and thighs. The symptoms most often associated with dry skin include scaling, itching and cracks in the skin.

Tips on treating dry skin.

Is there a drug-free treatment for vaginal drying?

Pain can occur in the pelvic area during or soon after sexual intercourse. It can happen at any time during sex ( at the time of penetration, erection, or ejaculation). Eventually, if pain from intercourse is ongoing, you could lose interest in any sexual activity. A common cause is vaginal dryness or inadequate lubrication.

The Schirmer's test determines whether the eye produces enough tears to keep it moist.

Patient information on Sjogren's Syndrome, from The American College of Rheumatology.

Dry mouth, Dry eyes, Dry nose, Dry skin, Dry throat and Fatigue. Sjogren's Syndrome can cause any combination of these, and sometimes much, much more, from dry.org.

The Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation promises to make a difference in the lives of people with Sjögren's and their families by offering information and support, public awareness, education for medical professionals and advocacy for increased research, from SSF.