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Conditions

Sjögren’s Syndrome

Microsopic slide showing Sjögren’s Syndrome's cells

There are more than half a million sufferers of Sjögren’s Syndrome in the UK, but it’s a condition that you probably won’t have heard of. Named after the Swedish eye doctor, Henrich Sjögren, who described a ‘syndrome’ consisting of features that included: dry eyes, dry mouth, vaginal dryness and aches and pains; it is a non-life threatening condition that typically develops in women in their 30’s to 60’s, although it can develop at any age and affects both men and women. It occurs when the body’s immune system reacts against itself and destroys the mucous secreting glands (such as those producing saliva and tears) as if they were foreign bodies. Treatment is about managing symptoms and preventing or limiting organ damage. Artificial tears are used to ensure that the dry eyes remain healthy, while saliva substitutes, coming in the form of gels and mouth sprays, are used to alleviate the discomfort of a dry mouth and throat.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

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could anyone tell me if sjogrens is genetic and run in familys as my sister who is 73 and has it and i have most of the symptons or all of them thanks





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Hi I would like to know what people would think about my symptoms. I get very, very tired most days and also very painful joints - mainly hips, knees and back. I get so thirsty and don't seen to be able to quench it. I do get migraines but I'm convinced this is due to the stress I am tolerating because of the way I'm feeling. Iv had blood test after blood test and I was even put on thyroxine as myself and the Doctor thought that was the problem however I have been taken off that now. Somebody please offer me some advice because nobody seems to believe my symptoms and it's ruining my life now!





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Hi I just found out that I have 1.Sjogren syndrome (biopsie) 2.Thyroid underfunction (blood results) 3.cronical aura migraine. (mri screen) I am waiting to see a rheumatologist. I have no idea what the future holds for me. I can only say thank you to my dentist. I would have suffered in silence for many more years.

Hi, if you are suffering from fatigue and general aches and pains, ask for your vitamin d levels to be checked. I have SS and my Vitamin D was borderline however my nurse requested I started to take high dose vitamin D. I have had one dose and its helped me no end





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I have ss since 1997 and like so many others on this site it's so frustrating finding ways in which to handle the symptoms. It's an invisible disease but the symptoms are real! I'm very fatigued most of the time and never complete most daily chores I start. It's getting so bad now, I'm considering home help as I live alone.





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Hi doc i have a Question:i'm 42' my husband always complaint that my vigina is always dry,and he ask me to buy any lubricating creme but i dont know what to buy.and one thing i dont like when he use his fingers on my below. thank you!





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KY jelly bought from the chemist is a good lubricant.

I was diagnosed with Sjogrens syndrome (involving the whole body) in Nov 2005. I slowly got weaker and less able till in 2009 I became housebound. My GP will fill my prescriptions but says there is nothing else to be done. I am 41, live alone and am a bit depressed now. Is this it? I also have femeroacetabular impingement of both hips and fibromyalgia. Have looked for many other opinions and the general concencus is "if only you had been seem some years previous but now you are beyond medical help.





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hey, i have had problems with sexual intercourse for two years, i have to have lots of lubrication and lots of fore play before having sex due to spliiting down below. i know have splits at the top my vulva and have been told that it is gential herpes... this was devastating. i had swabs doen for herpes, but they came back normal. another doctor said that it isnt herpes. i suffer with dryness down below, am always thristy, and when im tierd i get dry itchy eyes, does this sound like sjorgans syndrome? sorry i cant spell.. any advice or tips, e.t.c would be much appreciated.. thanks





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has anyone tried or know if its safe to take skin, hair and nail supplements whilst having sjogrens syndrome? as my skin has become so dry, its geting me down! its starting to become flaky and itchy. its uncomfrotable to sleep and applying make up is difficult because of the dry patches.any advice would be really appreciated. thank you!





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I am 19 years old, and have been diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome, i have had it since i was 11, but it finally showed its true colours 8 years on, and i suffer from aches and pains in my wrists,neck,knees and knuckles. I also have swelling of the lips and eyes. however i dont tend to get the most common, dry eyes and dry mouth. I constantly get swollen neck glands which result in pain when eating or drinking =(. i feel i have control of it but im taking 7 tablets a day!! for the rest of my life. i wish someone could come up with a cure for this!





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I'm only 13 years of age and at night I start to choke because I have no spit. Also at night my eyes go horridly dry even if i have a fab night sleep I look like a zombie when I wake up i have't to stare till I cry to wet my eyes and the tears are very sticky not like usual o have also suffered back since I was 8-9 years old but have recently been told live with it for 6months and if it's still hurts have phisiotheripy witch I have already had for 6 months I have also had acid reflux so I had tablets witch worked the first time but not the second oh and I have problems sleeping my ribs hurt only resently though so Yh its nothing to do with my piriod so if u can be bothered to read all of tht then plz comment/ help!!!???!!!!:(





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Oh my God, hi my name's vivian, i've had times when i've woken up with a choking feeling quite often and couldn't figure out why. I did my own research on the internet and i know i must have Dry mouth. Unfortunately one of the causes of Dry mouth is due to medication and i've been on antibiotics for a long time. I've been to the dentist so many times and it upsets me that it hasn't been diagnosed by them and i've been left to do my own diagnosis on my own. has ur condition improved so far?

Unfortunatly Vivian there is no cure for sjogren's. It is an auto-immune problem. You do need to be diognosed properly. I have been fighting this disease for a long time. unfortunatly for me I have other auto-immune problems. I have been fighting a loosing battle with my teeth also. Recently I went to an oral specialist (better late than never I say) anyway they told me in order to preserve what is left of my teeth I am NOT allowed sugar of any sort. I can have sweetner substitutes also use "COLGATE NEUTRAfLUOR 5000 PLUS. (you have to ask the pharmasist for it. They are not allowed to display it on the shop floor). Now when you clean your teeth first brush them with your Biotene (toothpast for dry mouth) I have an electric toothbrush makes life easier. rinse your mouth then brush with the Neutraflour plus about a pea size amount BUT DONOT RINSE spit out the excess. Do this twice a day morning and night. Don't drink for about 1/2 an hour at least and you should clean your teeth 3 times a day. I also rinse with Neutraflour mouth rinse (alcohole free) I hope this helps you.





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Sjogren's syndrome is a condition where the body's immune system malfunctions and begins to attack healthy tissue (an autoimmune condition). Read More »

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