Conditions
Sjögren’s Syndrome
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.
Comments and Questions
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I am 69 years old and have been suffering from a very dry nose and mouth. My mouth gets very dry at night and I wake up coughing and I feel chocked up in my throat, but can't clear it. It is very frightening and uncomfortable. I have been to see a Consultant about this, but he told me that it is something that happens when you age. He gave me some drops to use and a spray, but this hasn't made any difference. If there is anyone out there who could help to ease this, I would be very grateful as lack of sleep is affecting my health both mentally and physically. I recently had radiation treatment for Prostate Cancer which they think is now clear. Could this have caused my problem? Thanks.
Not sure what my problem is but recently having very dry tongue in the morning with cracks,heal, then are back the following morning. Also found my skin very itchy in random places, mostly notice this when resting but no rash. Flem would be coating the tongue and I would cough more up when brushing my teeth. I do have the toncil white lumps which have been worse of late. Ibs sufferer but thats been under control for the past 2 years. I recently have come of citalopram and doing well. I also suffer with acid reflux and that has been worse of late I do take ometzeprazole for this when suffering. I did lift something heavy last monday and it left my diaphagm very paniful and this has happened before when lifting. I am 28 soon to be 29. Since 20 I haved been suffering with most of the above and can remember being a worry wart as a child. I would appreciate some advice as I don't like going to the doctors as i feel i am wasting there time.
i have had a swollen and sore tongue since having my ovaries shut down with an injection every 3 months i cant at eat it is so painfull my tongue has cracked down the middle and i dont have much saliva
Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/
I was diagnosed with Sjogrens Syndrome just over 3 years ago. I'm only 34 and have an array of problems! I haven't found alot of help out there and i need some! Hospital has given hydroxychloroquine-plaquenil table to take which helps a bit but when i come off the tables my parotid glands swells as big as appears a second face around my neck and ear, any soluction with out taking these tables and would i have to be on the table for the rest of my life? swollen parotid glands, i'm so sick of being sick! Can anyone help?? Any advice??
Hi I often have painfull eyes during the day, getting stabbing pains in them or throbbing all the time, I have one eye lid which is red, over the last couple of years I have had a bad eye infection which eventaully healed and the Opthalmist said my ducts were blocked and showed me how to witpe them every day to prevent them from bocking, when I was six I had day surgery on a tear duct, also over the last year I have ahd a very dry mouth through the night that dry my toungue will be stuck to my gums. I have atheritus noddules in my hands which can be very painful and in my feet, some days I feel like I am 80 with my muscles but I push my self to keep going as I have preschool to run. I lost my mum in September and she had a few illnesses and one in particular which ended up killing her, Poly-arteritus which apparnatly not alot of reserach as been carried out onn it but it was worrying to hear about as it was my mams immune sytem which packed in, she also had Rhomatoid and Ostio Ateritus, Fibromilagia, Diabetes which was insulin dependant, she had had tripple bypass five years ago, she also had CKD and it was C-Diff which she got that finaly ended her time with us. I am also very worried about all that I have mentioned as I have an auntie who came out of surgery tonight for a four heart bypass, she is 70 but my mam was 61 when she had hers and an uncle died at 61 of an heartatack, so not alot to worry about. I like to stay healthy.
I use HycoSan - it works reasonably well, and Gel-Tears and Lacrilube at night. Unfortunately "NICE will not allow HycoSan to be prescribed so I have to shell out £10 every week or so. Mine stared out of the blue a few years ago - eyes dry and nasal passages swollen - and usually dry. Sjogrens negative - not a clue. Male: 57
Hi I've had red eye lids for a long time and the optician said that it was blepharitis which he said was like a form of dermatitis of the eyelids/lashes. He told me to use a very dilute solution of Johnson's baby shampoo and warm water and to give the eyelashes (especially the ones on the upper lid) a gentle massage - and to not rub hard or overdo it. I've found this really helps. I have Sjogren's Syndrome and blepharitis can be a symptom of this. I also get bloodshot eyes because they are so dry and I use Viscotears single dose units (no preservative) to lubricate my eyes. They can make your vision go blurry for a couple of minutes because they are quite viscous. Although very comforting, I haven't found that they prevent my eyes from becoming bloodshot. I think this may just be another part of the disease. I'd be interested to know if anyone has found any cure for bloodshot eyes not caused by drink or lack of sleep!
hi i am very much concerned to my auntie's condition,because she is sufferring from this condition,even her gp cant do sumthing about it, she had this swollened gland,because i think saliva flow is being blocked,she doesnt felt any pain,but she losses her appetite, and her gp prescribed her an antihistamine. i wish you can help her.
I was diagnosed with Sjogrens Syndrome just over 3 years ago. I'm only 23 and have an array of problems! I haven't found alot of help out there and i need some! I've just spent the last 4 days in hospital with severely swollen parotid glands, i'm so sick of being sick! Can anyone help?? Any advice??
I have lumps on the back of my throat for about yr and a half now. Sometimes white parts coming out, not oozing, just small white lumps. Its looks very red sometimes and can hurt and even bleed. I went to my gp and they told me it was nothing to worry about, but I am! Help me please! : )
Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/
Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/
I would like to know why for along time and it won't go away i have two red blemmish marks on the heel of each palm of my hands. any idea's what they can mean or be? Thanks x
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