Sjogren's Syndrome

What is Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Sjogren's syndrome is an incurable autoimmune disorder where the white blood cells attack the moisture producing glands of the body. Basically, the result is that the immune system attacks and destroys those glands, causing symptoms of dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis. It is sometimes associated with a connective tissue disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or scleroderma. This condition can also affect the kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, liver and pancreas as well as the nervous and gastro intestinal systems. Sjogren’s syndrome seems to happen mostly in women. In our Seattle Dentist Eastside Bellevue Dentist office we can help you with this condition. Please fill out the form at the bottom of the page or call us at (425) 454-2005.

What are the Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome?

There are quite a few symptoms that can vary quite a bit. Every person who suffers from it has slightly different variations of what they may feel.  Symptoms can taper off, worsen or go into remission. Some people have relatively mild symptoms and others have pretty intense symptoms. It is important to properly diagnose and treat this syndrome because this can prevent serious complications and greatly improve the quality of life for those with Sjogren's syndrome.

Sjogren’s syndrome is fairly unpleasant. Some of the symptoms include your eyes feeling dry, gritty and sandy along with your mouth feeling dried out as well. Because you have less saliva in your mouth, your teeth may develop more cavities. Your gum tissues may become more inflamed. Your throat often burns and you may have trouble swallowing. More symptoms include your voice being hoarse and you may have swollen salivary glands. Also, your skin, nose and body feel dry. Finally, you are always tired and you may have arthritis. 

This condition can also affect other parts of the body like blood vessels, the nervous system, muscles, skin, and other organs. This can lead to muscle weakness, confusion and memory problems and feelings of numbness and tingling.

How is it Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent serious complications and greatly improve the quality of life. A number of tests are available to diagnose the disease. Tests include measurement of tear production, measurement of saliva production, blood tests, X-ray exams of major salivary glands and biopsy of minor salivary glands in the lip. These tests usually allow true Sjogren's Syndrome to be distinguished from other causes of dry eyes and dry mouth. The average age of diagnosis is late 40's although it can happen in all age groups and sexes.

If the salivary glands are still functioning there are medications which can offer some relief and increase salivary flow.

Contact Us

At our Seattle Bellevue Dentist Office we are specialists in cases of Sjogren’s Syndrome. If you are suffering from these symptoms, please call us at (425) 454-2005 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to speaking with you.