Sjogren’s syndrome is a disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack the moisture producing glands that are within the body.  The glands most commonly affected are the tear glands and the saliva glands; however, the glands within the stomach, pancreas, and intestines are sometimes affected as well.

Sjogren’s syndrome is the most prevalent autoimmune disorder.  There are currently four million Americans suffering from Sjogren’s syndrome.  The cause of Sjogren’s syndrome is unknown; however, researchers believe that it may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors, heredity, and hormonal changes.

Sjogren’s syndrome causes the body’s white blood cells to invade the glands within the body that produce moisture.  If Sjogren’s syndrome is not diagnosed properly and effectively, the white blood cells can completely destroy the moisture producing glands.

Sjogren’s syndrome also causes the following complications:

• Digestive problems
• Vaginal dryness
• Increased dental decay
• Dry and/or burning throat
• Sore and/or cracked tongue
• Joint and muscle pain
• Tingling and/or numbness of the extremities
• Dry nose
• Kidney problems
• Nerve problems
• Fatigue
• Skin rashes

The most common side effect of Sjogren’s syndrome is dry eyes.  When the eyes become dry they turn red, itch, and burn.  Sjogren’s syndrome may also affect ones vision causing everything to become blurry.  The eyes may also become sensitive to light.

Another side effect of Sjogren’s syndrome is a dry mouth.  A dry mouth may cause difficulty speaking, swallowing, and tasting.  A dry mouth may also feel as if there is cotton in the mouth, and the dry mouth may cause a dry cough. Another side effect of a dry mouth may be the result of lung problems and pneumonia.

About ninety percent of the people who suffer from Sjogren’s syndrome are women.  The most common complaint among women is that they suffer from vaginal dryness as a result of the Sjogren’s syndrome.

Digestive problems are another side effect of Sjogren’s syndrome.  Problems with the digestive system include issues with the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and liver.  The symptoms of these health issues include painful and difficult swallowing, heartburn, abdominal pain and swelling, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and weight loss.  Sjogren’s syndrome has also been linked to cirrhosis of the liver.

Problems with the kidneys are another side effect of Sjogren’s syndrome.  The kidneys are affected when the tissue around the kidneys becomes inflamed and the kidneys are unable to rid the body of waste products through urination.  Another side effect is known as renal tubular acidosis.  When someone has this problem, he/she is unable to get rid of the acids that are within the body through urination.

Sjogren’s syndrome also affects the nerves.  Side effects of this complication may result in carpal tunnel, peripheral neuropathy, and cranial neuropathy.

Sjogren’s syndrome is a serious disease, but fortunately its symptoms can be treated.