SJOGREN’S – DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Today is World Sjogren's Day, and we at Malla Reddy Hospital are taking steps to enlighten people about this disease.

Sjogren's (show-grins) syndrome is a disorder of theimmune system identified by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth. The condition often accompanies other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Sjogren's syndrome, the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of the eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting in decreased tears and saliva.

Although Sjogren's syndrome can occur at any age, most people are older than 40 at the time of diagnosis. The condition is much more common in women. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.

Sjogren's syndrome can be difficult to diagnose,because the signs and symptoms vary from person to person and can be similar to those caused by other diseases. Side effects of a number of medications also mimic some signs and symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome. However, tests can help rule out other conditions and help pinpoint a diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome.

Our doctors recommend a battery of tests to check levels of different types of blood cells, presence of antibodies common in Sjogren's syndrome, evidence of inflammatory conditions, and indications of problems with the liver and kidneys.

Dr. R Aditya Vadan (Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist )at Malla Reddy Naryana Mulitspecialit Hospital says :  Interstitial lung disease(ILD)can develop in up to 40 percent of patients with sjogrens. Patents with ILD have chronic cough ,breathlessness and frequent respiratory problems. Hrct chest ,pulmonary functions tests ,DLco (Diffusion lung carbon monoxide)should be done to diagnose the lung issues in sjogrens.

We might also do a lip biopsy to detect the presence of clusters of inflammatory cells, which can indicate Sjogren's syndrome. For this test, a sliver of tissue is removed from the salivary glands in the lip and examined under a microscope.

Treatment for Sjogren's syndrome depends on the parts of the body that have been affected.

Anti inflammatory drugs with anti fibrotic may be indicated based on the type of lung disease caused by sjogrens. Many people manage the dry eye and dry mouth of Sjogren'ssyndrome by using over-the-counter eyedrops and sipping water more frequently.”

The next thing we do at Malla Reddy Hospital is to assess and measure the dryness of the eyes with a test called a Schirmer tear test. A small piece of filter paper is placed under the lower eyelid to measure tear production. Our Ophthalmologist is then called upon toexamine the surface of the eyes with a magnifying device called a slit lamp. Then drops are placed in theeye that makes it easier to detect damage to the cornea.

Certain imaging tests can check the function of thesalivary glands. These are:

We might also do a lip biopsy to detect the presence of clusters of inflammatory cells, which can indicate Sjogren's syndrome. For this test, a sliver of tissue is removed from the salivary glands in the lip and examined under a microscope.

Treatment for Sjogren's syndrome depends on the parts of the body that have been affected. Many people manage the dry eye and dry mouth of Sjogren's syndrome by using over-the-counter eyedrops and sipping water more frequently. But some people need prescription medications, or even surgical procedures.