Sjogren’s syndrome

Diagnosis

Because the signs and symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome differ from person to person and can sometimes resemble those of other conditions, it can be challenging to diagnose. Some Sjogren’s syndrome symptoms and signs can also be confused with side effects of various medications.

Tests can help rule out other illnesses and help pinpoint a diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome.

Blood examination

Blood exam may be recommended by your doctor to look for:

• Antibodies frequently seen in Sjogren’s syndrome
• Markers of inflammatory problems
• Amounts of various blood cell types
• Signs of problems with your kidneys and liver

Eye examination

A test known as the Schirmer tear test allows your doctor to gauge how dry your eyes are. To gauge your tear production, a little piece of filter paper is positioned under your lower eyelid.

The surface of your eyes may also be examined by an ophthalmologist, using a slit lamp, a magnification tool. Drops that help you see corneal damage may be put in your eye by the practitioner.

Imaging tests

Your salivary glands’ function can be examined using specific imaging procedures.

• Sialogram. The salivary glands in front of your ears can be injected with dye to identify it using this specialized X–ray. This test reveals how much saliva enters your mouth.
• Salivary scintigraphy. This nuclear medicine test includes injecting a radioactive isotope into a vein, which is monitored for an hour to determine how rapidly it enters each salivary gland.

Biopsy

Additionally, your doctor might perform a lip biopsy to look for inflammatory cell clusters, which may be a sign of Sjogren’s syndrome. For this test, a little piece of tissue is taken from the salivary glands in your lip and inspected under a microscope.

Treatment

The damaged bodily parts will determine how Sjogren’s syndrome is treated. By using over–the–counter eyedrops and drinking more water on a regular basis, many people manage the dry eye and dry mouth caused by Sjogren’s syndrome. However, some people require prescription drugs or even surgery.

Medications

In accordance with your symptoms, your doctor might advise drugs that:

• Lessen eye inflammation. If you have moderate to severe dry eyes, your eye doctor might suggest prescription eyedrops like cyclosporine or lifitegrast.
• Produce more saliva. Saliva and occasionally tears can be produced more when using medications like pilocarpine and cevimeline. Sweating, stomach ache, flushing, and increased urination are examples of side effects.
• Manage certain complications. Nonsteroidal Anti–inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or other arthritis medications may be helpful if you experience the symptoms of arthritis. Antifungal drugs should be used to treat oral yeast infections.
• Treat systemic symptoms. A medication used to treat malaria called hydroxychloroquine is frequently effective in treating Sjogren’s syndrome. Additionally, immune system suppressing medications such methotrexate may be administered.

Surgery

A modest surgery to plug the tear ducts that drain tears from your eyes (punctal occlusion) can help relieve your dry eyes. To assist keep your tears from drying out, collagen or silicone plugs are placed inside the tear ducts.