Sjögren’s Disease

What is Sjögren’s Disease? 

 

Sjögren’s Disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the moisture-producing glands in the body. This primarily affects the eyes and mouth, causing persistent dryness, but it can also impact other organs including the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, and nerves.

It can occur as:

• Primary Sjögren’s Disease – occurring alone

• Secondary Sjögren’s Disease – occurring alongside other autoimmune disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus
   

Early recognition and prompt evaluation are critical for preventing complications and improving quality of life. Access to fastest rheumatology appointments and specialized care can make a significant difference in disease management.

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Common Symptoms of Sjögren’s Disease:

Sjögren’s Disease affects multiple systems, leading to a range of symptoms:

• Eyes: Dryness, burning, itching, gritty sensation, or blurred vision

• Mouth: Dryness, difficulty swallowing, increased risk of dental decay, swollen salivary glands

• General: Fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches

• Other areas: Dry skin, dry nose or throat, vaginal dryness in women

• Rarely: Lung, kidney, or nerve involvement in severe cases

Symptoms often fluctuate, with periods of flare-ups and remission.
 

Who is Affected?

• Women over 40 are disproportionately affected

• Can occur alone or in combination with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus

• Early assessment by a Sjögren’s disease rheumatologist ensures timely diagnosis and initiation of therapy

 

Diagnosis  of Sjögren’s Disease:

Accurate diagnosis involves a combination of:

• Blood tests: ANA, SSA/Ro, SSB/La antibodies to detect autoimmune activity

• Eye tests: Schirmer’s test to measure tear production

• Salivary gland evaluation: Imaging or minor gland biopsy

• Dental evaluation: Assessing oral health and risk of decay

Modern clinics offer in-house labs, enabling faster results and earlier initiation of Sjögren’s disease treatment in Orlando, reducing delays in care.

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Treatment:

There is currently no cure for Sjögren’s, but treatment can effectively manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve daily function.

1. Symptom Management

• Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops

• Saliva substitutes or stimulants (e.g., pilocarpine)

• Vaginal lubricants for dryness
   

2. Medications for Immune Modulation

• Hydroxychloroquine or other disease-modifying agents to control inflammation

• Biologic therapies in advanced cases, targeting specific immune pathways
   

3. Supportive Measures

• Regular dental care to prevent tooth decay

• Staying hydrated and using humidifiers

• Avoiding alcohol and excessive caffeine
   

4. Advanced Clinic Facilities

• IV infusion center for biologic therapies

• In-house labs for fast blood tests and monitoring
   

Personalized treatment planning with Sjögren’s disease specialists

 

Living Well With Sjögren’s Disease

• Practice good oral and eye hygiene daily

• Maintain regular follow-ups with your rheumatologist

• Stay hydrated and use moisturizers for skin and mucous membranes

• Incorporate gentle physical activity to manage fatigue and joint pain

• Monitor for symptoms of flare-ups and seek care early

• Schedule regular checkups with your rheumatologist and dentist

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 

1. What causes Sjögren’s Disease?
Sjögren’s Disease occurs when the immune system attacks moisture-producing glands. Genetic factors, environmental triggers, and other autoimmune conditions may contribute.
 

2. How is Sjögren’s Disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves blood tests for antibodies, eye exams like Schirmer’s test, salivary gland imaging or biopsy, and dental evaluation. Early evaluation by a Sjögren’s disease specialist ensures accurate results.
 

3. What treatments are available for Sjögren’s Disease?
Treatment includes artificial tears, saliva stimulants, immune-modulating medications, and biologic therapies in advanced cases. Supportive care like dental hygiene and lifestyle adjustments is essential.
 

4. Can Sjögren’s Disease cause complications beyond dryness?
Yes. Some patients may experience joint pain, lung or kidney involvement, nerve damage, or fatigue. Regular monitoring at a specialist center with in-house labs and infusion facilities helps detect complications early.
 

5. How can I get the fastest rheumatology appointments for Sjögren’s?
Leading clinics with dedicated Sjögren’s disease rheumatologists and in-house labs often provide priority scheduling, allowing patients to start evaluation and treatment without delay.
 

6. Are biologic therapies available for Sjögren’s Disease?
Yes. Advanced biologic therapies targeting specific immune pathways can be administered through IV infusion centers, often housed within specialized rheumatology clinics. These treatments are considered for patients with severe or resistant disease.

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