Sjogren's disease

Sjogren's disease, also called primarySjogren's syndrome, refers to a vast group of diffuse connective tissue diseases. There is a mass of "synonyms" for the name of this disease: atrophic dacryosialopathy, dry syndrome, dry keratoconjunctivitis of Sjogren, Mikulich's disease, etc.

This disease is chronic(systemic) autoimmune disease, the etiology of which is still unknown. Sjogren's disease is characterized by infiltration of the exocrine glands of the body, which leads to the emergence of xerophthalmia and xerostomia, as well as the dryness of the mucous membranes of the bronchi, trachea, larynx, nose, female genital organs, as well as atrophic gastritis.

The most common symptoms of Sjogren's disease are associated with insufficient secretion of the body's glands:

- Dry eyes - there is a foreign body sensation, itching, a feeling of sand in the eyes, a burning sensation, photophobia, redness of the eyes;

- Dryness in the nose, throat and mouth - problems withtalking and swallowing, it is difficult to eat solid foods, and dry is almost impossible, a change in taste, mouth ulcers, ear infections and nosebleeds;

- Dryness of the vagina, which results in soreness of the sexual act;

- Dry skin.

In addition to these manifestations, very often Sjogren's diseaseaccompanied by fever, a feeling of general malaise, pain and stiffness of the joints, muscle pain and hair loss. Symptoms may disappear for a while, increase or stay on the same level. Most often, in 90% of cases, the disease occurs in women older than 35 years. In the presence of this syndrome, the oppression of the acid-forming and secretory functions of the stomach, the lesion of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the mucus disruption are relatively often observed.

Laboratory research on the diagnosis of Sjogren's disease.

A blood test can reveal an increase in ESR,eosinophilia and leukopenia. A biochemical blood test will reveal an increase in the content of total protein, seromucoid and the presence of CRP. In addition, when carrying out immunological examination of blood, an increased content of immune complexes and immunoglobulins is revealed. The rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibodies in this disease are rare, but when combined with rheumatoid arthritis, these indicators are found in most patients.

Diagnosis is based on: data of anamnesis, presence of signs of keratoconjunctivitis, reduction of salivation, presence of autoimmune disorders, detection of lymphoplasmic infiltration of salivary glands.

Sjogren's disease: treatment.

Treatment is selected individually, taking into accountproblems that arise in each specific case. With mild and moderate activity of the disease, plaquenil is usually given in combination with small doses of prednisolone. If the activity of the disease is high enough, plakvenil is replaced by immunosuppressants. In particularly severe cases, the administration of medium and large doses of corticosteroids is administered intravenously. If Sjogren's disease develops in a patient suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, then the treatment is first treated.

To eliminate dry mouth,rinse it throughout the day, you can also use chewing gum to stimulate salivation. Help to heal wounds and cracks in the mouth can help rose hips and sea buckthorn. To avoid tooth decay, regular mouth rinses and visits to the dentist are recommended, as well as the use of toothpaste containing fluoride. Dryness in the eyes is recommended to eliminate with the help of artificial tears.