What is Sjogren's please

[bigland]

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

In Sjögren’s Syndrome the secretary glands that produce saliva, tears, vaginal, and other secretions develop a form of inflammation, similar to that seen in the joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. As a result of this, these glands stop working leading to dry eyes, dry mouth, dry skin and also dryness of the gastrointestinal tract. These features, as well as being very uncomfortable and unpleasant, means those sufferers may have difficulty swallowing dry foods and also dryness of the large bowel can cause symptoms similar to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

[loopy-lou]

I have Sjogrens as well as Lupus. Paul has described it accurately. I find I am always thirsty and have to take a bottle of water with me when I go out, even in the winter. My throat is always dry. For example I choke on dry foods such as a piece of popcorn - causing continuous coughing. My eyes feel like they are burning at times. I also have IBS. In addition I recently had Parotitis which was extremely uncomfortable. (salivary glands became infected and I looked like I had mumps)

[tracynoe]

I also suffer with dry eyes and mouth and use eye drops during the day and gel at night and I also use artificial saliva which means I don't have to be constantly drinking my dentist also prescribes a high fluoride toothpaste to try and protect my teeth.

[katerowley in reply to tracynoe]

i was on artificial saliva but taken off it because its got lots of sugar in it

[Thaddeus]

I have dry eyes, nose throat and have problems with other mucus membranes such as the lubrication to my tendons. I was told it was Sjogrens for a long time, but a couple of years ago my doc at St.T's said it was sicca sydrome. sjogrens follows a pattern, while sicca is more general drying of the mucus producing organs.

[Melinda]

Sjogren's is a halfway house between Lupus and RA. It was one of the symptoms I had when I was diagnosed with Lupus. As Paul says it causes dryness and affects the mucus membranes of the body. It also causes joint pains. As far as i'm aware, it is a fairly benign condition.

[LucyLocket]

My rheumatologist talks about lupus and sjogrens being along the same spectrum. When I was younger (in my teens) my symptoms were much more those of lupus (kidney & liver failure, chronic anaemia and swollen, painful joints with a rash that would come and go). Now I'm in my 40s, I've been diagnosed with Sjogrens. I'm not sure I would call it a benign condition I'm afraid - if you're lucky the symptoms may just be dryness of the eyes and mucous membranes but the condition comes along with a heightened risk of lymphomas, heart and lung problems and kidney and liver issues. Of course, each person is different and so will experience a different collection of these symptoms. For more information, check out the British Sjogrens Syndrome Association bssa.uk.net/ or the American sites sjogrensworld.org/ , sjogrens.org/

[bigland]

Thanks to everyone who answered my question. It was my first attempt and I feel much better

now I know what a helpful and friendly group you all are.

Bigland