Definition
Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disease of the autoimmune type, in which we witness the destruction of various exocrine glands (especially salivary and lacrimal glands) by defense cells, in particular, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes.
However, the exocrine glands are not the only target of this syndrome. In fact, the disease can affect other tissues and organs as well.
There are basically two types of Sjögren's syndrome: the primary form that appears alone without being associated with other pathologies, and the secondary form that occurs in association with other autoimmune pathologies such as, for example, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus .
Causes
The etiology of Sjögren's syndrome is still unknown, but it is believed that the disease occurs in individuals who have a certain genetic predisposition. Furthermore, it is thought that the autoimmune response can also be triggered by viral infections caused by certain types of viruses.
However, it seems that the virus can favor the onset of the disease only in genetically predisposed individuals and that the viral infection in itself is not sufficient to trigger the syndrome.
Symptoms
Since it mainly affects and destroys the salivary and lacrimal glands, the main symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome are xerostomia (dry mouth) and xerophthalmia (dry eye). Dry eye - in turn - can lead to the onset of photophobia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eye syndrome and keratitis.
Dry mouth, on the other hand, can lead to swallowing difficulties, dysgeusia and ageusia, as well as favoring the onset of oral candidiasis and tooth decay.
However, the syndrome can also affect other organs and tissues, causing vaginal dryness, dry skin, nasal dryness, nosebleeds, dry cough, bronchitis, dry airways, pleurisy and swelling of the parotids.
Finally, other symptoms that can occur in patients with Sjögren's syndrome are fatigue and joint pain.
Information on Sjögren's Syndrome - Treatment of Sjögren's Syndrome is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Sjögren's Syndrome - Treatment of Sjögren's Syndrome.
Medicines
Unfortunately, there are no specific medications for the treatment of Sjögren's syndrome. The therapies that are prescribed are mostly symptomatic and supportive, and aim to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, in order to improve the quality of life of the patients who suffer from it.
For this purpose, therefore, drugs capable of compensating for the lack of glandular secretion are used. In addition, anti-inflammatories and immunosuppressants can be used to relieve inflammation and reduce the autoimmune reaction that characterizes this syndrome.
The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against Sjögren's syndrome and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the active ingredient and dosage most suitable for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment.
Anti-inflammatories
Anti-inflammatory drugs, both steroidal (corticosteroids) and non-steroidal (NSAID), can be used in the treatment of Sjögren's syndrome.
Furthermore, these drugs are also used in the treatment of diseases that occur in association with the Sjögren syndrome, such as, for example, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (for more detailed information on the drugs used to treat these diseases , please refer to the dedicated articles "Drugs to Treat" Rheumatoid Arthritis "and" Drugs to Treat Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ").
