Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) is a disease in which the
immune system attacks salivary and tear (lachrymal) glands
leading to dryness of the eyes and the mouth. Like other
auto-immune diseases it can also have more general (systemic)
effects: that is, tiredness, fatigue and aching joints and
muscles. Fortunately, vital organs such as the kidney, brain
or heart are affected rarely. The SS sufferer can therefore
take comfort from the fact that she or, more rarely he,
is unlikely to become seriously disabled and even less likely
to die from the disease. There are two major problems which
face the SS sufferer. Firstly, the disease is often not
diagnosed. The characteristic symptoms of dry eyes and mouth
may not be mentioned by the patient or sought by the doctor,
particularly when systemic manifestations such as fatigue
or joint pains predominate. Secondly, many doctors tend
to have a rather negative attitude towards the treatment
of SS. The medical textbooks state that artificial tears
and saliva substitutes are the mainstay of treatment. Although
this is true, there are many additional small measures which
can improve the quality of life further. In addition, there
are now serious attempts to develop therapies to treat the
underlying disease.
Dr Patrick Venables
Editor and Honorary Medical Secretary to the BSSA
Information Courtesy of
BSSA
The BSSA is a self-help organisation for people with SS.
It aims to spread information about the disease and how
to alleviate it’s symptoms.
Unit 1
Manor Workshops
Nausea Wall Lane
NAILSEA
BS484DD
Tel: 01275 854215
Email: BSSAssociation@compuserve.com
Note:
WebHealth has additional articles about Sjogren's Syndrme at:
Systemic Features By:
Dr Ian Griffiths, Dr Elizabeth Price, Dr Clive Kelly and Dr Patrick Venables
and
The Problems of Sjogren's Syndrome By:
Dr CW Hutton, Consultant Rheumatologist, Demford Hospital, Plymouth
and
Sjogren's Syndrome and the Gastro-Intestinal Tract By
Doctor Richard Mount Ford MD, FRCP, FRCR.
Consultant Physician, Department of Gastroenterology, Bristol Royal Infirmary
and
Neurological problems in Sjogren's Syndrome by Doctor Annabel Coote and Doctor Michael Snaith, Department of Rheumatology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield.
and
Sjogren's Syndrome and the Respiratory System
A Brief History of Sjogren's Syndrome By
Doctor Ian D Griffiths FRCR, Consultant Rheumatologist,
Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
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