Sjögren's - show·gruhnz
Sjögren's Disease can affect many different body parts, including the joints, moisture-producing and mucous-secreting glands, and organs, causing widespread dryness and other serious problems such as neuropathies.
Symptoms of AiArthritis Diseases Regardless of Diagnosis
Reference: Early Symptoms of AiArthritis Study, AiArthritis, 2019.
Typically the joint pain will coincide with one or more “Auto” symptoms and start and stop suddenly - for no apparent reason (which is called a "flare"). Some people will experience all of the above symptoms, others only a few. If you have any of the arthritis features, and at least one of the “Auto” features, please consult your physician about a referral to a specialist.
Symptoms Often Associated with Sjögren's Disease:
What fellow patients want you to know
There aren't treatments specifically on the market that are tested to stop the progression of Sjögren's, patients are given tools to help alleviate the symptoms.
There are current clinical trials (many!), but current treatments are borrowed from other diseases, like Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Persistent dry eyes and mouth can be very detrimental to overall health and keeping moisturized is key. Damage in the eyes and mouth can lead to expensive treatments being required.
If your doctor says you can't have Sjogren's because you don't have the anti-SSA anti-SSB biomarkers politely ask why not? Only 60-70% of positive SD patients are positive for the antibody so is there any other reason they suspect it is not?
It is not uncommon to have bad dental issues (teeth breaking, many cavities and root canals, gum disease) with Sjogren's. If able, try to purchase some type of dental insurance or supplementary help because this part of the disease can be costly.
There’s no single definitive test that can confirm a diagnosis of Sjögren’s DIsease (SD), so rheumatologists look at a combination of physical exam, blood and urine tests, along with a family history of autoimmune disease (any autoimmune diagnosis). They will also consider any other autoimmune diseases you may have yourself since SD is a very common comorbidity to several AiArthritis diseases.
The rheumatologist will see if the arthritis is in more than one location and if it is chronic (has lasted for more than 6 weeks continuously or has come and go during that time). They will look closely at the joints to see if there is any swelling, redness, or warmth (although this isn't required for diagnosis - it is more to see the severity).
Most rheumatologists today will also consider if you are feeling other common symptoms (see Common Symptoms in All AiArthritis Diseases), which can help differentiate from any other diagnosis vs. an AiArthritis disease.
A blood and urine test will look for the presence of antibodies, anti-SSA (Ro) or anti-SSB (La), that are common in people that have Sjogren’s Disease, but only in 60-70%. Doctors are also looking for inflammatory markers and indications of a possible kidney issue.
Diagnosis of Sjögren’s Disease is heavily dictated by the presence of symptoms - specifically dry eye and dry mouth. It is important to document these symptoms and express their longevity. Further tests may need to be done such as an exam with an ophthalmologist or a lip biopsy to determine the severity of disease.
In an effort to ensure this page has the most accurate and up-to-date information, this page is currently awaiting medical review. Some information is subject to change.
Page Last Updated: 2/1/2023
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