Sjogrens

article by Dr. Donohue

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/lifestyle/columnists.nsf/drpauldonohue/story/AAC61482BF7B10E0862575550063A9DC?OpenDocument

Immune attack leads to dry eyes, mouth
By Dr. Paul Donohue


02/12/2009

Dear Dr. Donohue: Will you explain Sjogren's syndrome? I have been told I
have it. I had a biopsy and blood work, and the results confirmed the
diagnosis. I can't find a doctor to help me.



Dry eyes and dry mouth are the evil twins of Sjogren's (SHOW-grins)
syndrome, which is brought on by an immune attack on the salivary and tear
glands. Lymphocytes - one kind of white blood cells and an integral part of
the immune system - march into salivary and tear glands and disrupt the
production of tears and saliva. The result is dry, gritty, burning and
possibly itchy eyes with a mouth so dry that swallowing and talking become
most difficult. A dry mouth also promotes tooth decay.

Many Sjogren's patients also suffer muscle and joint pain, have swollen
lymph nodes and can have hands and fingers that are extremely sensitive to
exposure to the cold. Some have background illnesses like rheumatoid
arthritis, lupus or scleroderma (skin hardening).

Your biopsy was a biopsy of one of the small salivary glands, and it must
have shown the lymphocyte invasion. The lab tests demonstrated abnormal
antibodies, a product of an errant immune system

Sjogren's patients should carry with them a plastic, water-filled squeeze
bottle and make use of it frequently. Artificial salivas can keep the mouth
moist. Examples are Numoisyn Liquid, Biotene moisturizer, Salivart and a
product called OraMoist. There are many others. Evoxac and pilocarpine are
two oral medicines that promote saliva production. Sugar-free gum also
stimulates saliva flow.

Artificial tears (ones without preservatives) keep eyes from drying.
Restasis eyedrops have a medicine that jump-starts tear making. An eye
doctor can plug the tear ducts to keep tears on the eyes.

You live in a city blessed with one of this country's best medical schools.
Call the rheumatology department, and they'll find you a doctor who's
well-versed in Sjogren's syndrome.

Above all, contact the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation at 1-800-475-6473, or
visit it on the Internet at www.sjogrens.org. The foundation will keep you
abreast of new developments and provide you with information on this
illness.

--
Love and hugs to all
Love Squirrely Jo


.

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