23 July: World Sjögren’s Disease Day

July 23 is the World Sjögren’s Disease Day, which has always been considered a syndrome. That day commemorates the birth of its discoverer, Dr. Henrik Sjögren, and the associations of Sjögren’s patients around the world will unite to make visible the millions of people who live with the disease, suffer its symptoms or are waiting to be diagnosed.

Raising awareness and spreading the word about Sjögren’s leads to a better understanding of the disease and the search for possible solutions and treatments.

What is Sjögren’s syndrome?

This syndrome is caused by inflammation of the salivary glands, especially those located under the jaw and in front of the ears. Generally, it first affects the mucous membranes and moisture-producing glands in the eyes and mouth, resulting in fewer tears and less saliva being produced. Sometimes, when the dryness is extreme it can also produce vaginal dryness and some people may also have joint pain, swelling, stiffness, dry cough, prolonged fatigue and skin rashes.

This immune system disorder may be primary if it is not associated with another autoimmune disease, or secondary, if it accompanies other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma or primary biliary cirrhosis.

Symptoms

Sjögren’s syndrome is a rheumatic, inflammatory, autoimmune and chronic disease, difficult to diagnose because its symptoms vary from person to person, but it is known to predominantly affect women and, although it can occur at any age, most affected people are diagnosed after the age of 40.

The main symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome are dry mouth and the appearance of cavities, and dry eyes. The destruction of the salivary glands causes a decrease in saliva, causing difficulty in chewing and swallowing solid food. This decrease in saliva affects the hygiene of the mouth, favoring the appearance of cavities. In the eyes, inflammation of the lacrimal glands decreases tear secretion, causing redness and the appearance of abundant morning eye discharge. The eyes become more sensitive to light, making sun exposure intolerable and in severe cases can even cause painful corneal ulcers.

How to prevent this syndrome?

Here are some recommendations for the prevention and early detection of Sjögren’s Syndrome, as well as the management of symptoms in diagnosed patients, in order to improve their quality of life:

• Go to the rheumatologist for preventive medical check-ups.
• Regular physical activity.
• Drink water to stay hydrated during the day.
• Eat a balanced diet, avoiding the consumption of dry, spicy, acidic, salty or salty foods or foods at extreme temperatures.
• Visit the dentist periodically, limiting the consumption of acidic foods and beverages or those containing refined sugars.
• Avoid the consumption of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.
• Use oat-based soaps and gels for the skin.