The blood tests measure the levels of the different types of blood cells you have and can show if you have germ-fighting proteins (antibodies) that many people with Sjogren's have. They will take some blood from your vein and send it to a lab to get checked. Your doctor may ask you to get some blood tests. To get clues, your doctor will give you a physical exam and may ask you questions such as:Īre you getting a lot of cavities in your teeth?ĭoes your mouth get dry? How about your lips? Numbness or tingling in some parts of your bodyīecause so many people with Sjogren's also have another autoimmune disease, and Sjogren’s symptoms sometimes look a lot like some other diseases, like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, it can sometimes be hard for your doctor to give you a diagnosis. H eartburn, a sensation of burning that moves from your stomach to your chest Swelling, pain, and stiffness in your joints Trouble concentrating or remembering things By far, the most common symptoms are:ĭry mouth that may have a chalky feeling or feeling or feel like cottonĭry eyes that may burn, itch, or feel gritty You may have just one or two, or you may have many. The symptoms of Sjogren's can be different from person to person. Nearly half of all people who have Sjogren’s also have another autoimmune condition, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Women are 10 times more likely to have Sjogren’s than men. Sjogren’s usually affects people over 40, but younger adults and children can get it, too. Some other things can make you more likely to have Sjogren’s, including:Īge.
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There's no let-up in the fight, so your symptoms will keep going unless you get treatment. But because of your faulty gene, your white blood cells target healthy cells in the glands that make saliva and tears. White blood cells normally lead the attack against the germs. An infection with a bacteria or virus may be a trigger that sets the disease in motion.įor example, let's say you have a defective gene that's linked to Sjogren's, and then you get an infection. Sjogren’s Syndrome Causes and Risk Factorsĭoctors don't know the exact cause. You should be able to keep doing all the things you love to do without making many changes. Keep in mind that most people with Sjogren's stay healthy and don't have serious problems. It's natural to worry when you learn you've got a lifelong disease that will need regular care. There are treatments that bring relief, though.
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When that happens, they can't produce tears and saliva, so your eyes, mouth, and other parts of your body dry out. Your white blood cells, which normally protect you from germs, attack the glands that are in charge of making moisture. Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to go haywire and attack healthy cells instead of invading bacteria or viruses.