July 23rd commemorates a condition that affects thousands of people around the world, characterized by dryness of the mucous membranes and the glands that produce moisture in the eyes and mouth. It is World Sjögren’s Syndrome Day.
What is Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic immune system disorder that affects the exocrine glands, causing inflammation of the mucous membranes and salivary glands, resulting in a reduced amount of tears, saliva, mucus in the larynx and trachea, and vaginal secretions.
Likewise, it can cause joint pain and skin rashes. This rheumatic and inflammatory pathology can be associated with other diseases, such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and biliary cirrhosis. It affects the joints and some organs such as the liver, kidneys, skin, lungs, and thyroid.
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The symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome vary in each patient, making timely diagnosis difficult and affecting a higher proportion of women and people over 40 years of age:
- Dryness in the eyes and mouth.
- Appearance of dental cavities.
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing solid foods.
- Redness of the eyes and abundant eye discharge.
- Sensitivity of the eyes to the sun and artificial light.
Diagnosis and treatment of Sjögren’s Syndrome
The diagnosis of Sjögren’s Syndrome must be performed by a medical specialist, through a physical evaluation and the application of the following tests and examinations:
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- Laboratory analysis.
- Eye exams: Schirmer’s test and slit-lamp examination.
- Scintigraphy, sialography, and salivary gland scintigraphy.
- Lip biopsy.
The treatment for this disease is aimed at controlling the patient’s ocular and oral dryness, with the following recommendations:
- Application of artificial tears.
- Use of room humidifiers.
- Application of eye ointments.
- Use of sunglasses.
- Periodic ophthalmological check-ups.
- Use of pilocarpine to stimulate saliva production.
- Oral hygiene with special fluoride-containing toothpastes.
- Use of saline nasal sprays.
- Periodic gynecological visits and use of vaginal lubricants.
- Application of moisturizing skin creams.
How to prevent this syndrome?
Below we show some recommendations for the prevention and early detection of Sjögren’s Syndrome, as well as the management of symptoms in diagnosed patients, for the improvement of their quality of life:
- Visit the rheumatologist for preventive medical check-ups.
- Engage in some physical activity regularly.
- Drink water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Maintain a balanced diet, avoiding the consumption of dry, spicy, acidic, or salty foods, or foods at extreme temperatures.
- Visit the dentist periodically, limiting the consumption of acidic foods and drinks or those with refined sugars.
- Avoid the consumption of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.
- Use oatmeal-based soaps and gels for the skin.
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