World Sjogren's Day: Let Your Story Inspire Others

• Written by Mudit Handa

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Sjogren causes a unique kind of autoimmune disorder that unexpectedly attacks those cells that produce moisture. This disease affects millions worldwide, making their lives very difficult due to the lack of a proper treatment plan, rendering it currently incurable. The objective of World Sjogren Day is to help patients live with strong determination and confidence. On this day, a lot of people come forward to share their stories and experiences of this life-altering disease, in order to help others who are dealing with it. Read on to know more about Sjogren's syndrome and why is Sjogren’s Day celebrated. 

What is Sjogren's Day?

World Sjogren’s Day aims to promote awareness of Sjorgen syndrome as a critical health issue and to strengthen medical actions toward improving access to early diagnosis, treatment, and good medical care. This initiative can help people understand the symptoms and causes of this rare disease. If they find themselves, their family members, or their friends experiencing one or multiple symptoms, they can approach the doctor on time. Besides this, this day is just like an ideal opportunity for you to share your stories of living with Sjorgen syndrome with others. Consequently, you can inspire others with your voice. 

What is Sjogren's Disease?

Sjogren syndrome has made millions of patients its victim throughout the world. This is an autoimmune disorder that mistakenly attacks mucous membranes and moisture-making glands in your body. Simply put your body’s glands that produce tears and saliva start to become dry. Additionally, this syndrome’s impact is not limited to these glands. Often, they create issues in other body parts such as kidneys, heart, joints, liver, thyroid, nerves, and lungs. If you do not get on-time treatment, you may become the victim of other serious diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. 

What causes Sjogren's Syndrome?

Despite cutting-edge medical research advancements, the causes of Sjogren syndrome remain unknown. No medical research has been able to confirm why or how the immune system attacks moisture glands and causes Sjogren disease. 

But, scientists are sure that there is a certain gene that can trigger its risk. Along with it, they also consider that any virus infection or bacteria can also cause this issue. Check out the following viral infections that can trigger the risk of Sjogren’s syndrome in your body:

• COVID 19
• Hepatitis C
• Epstein-Barr Virus
• Cytomegalovirus
• Human T-lymphotropic Virus 1. 

Is Sjogren's a Rare Disease?

Yes, Sjogren’s is a rare disease. This is because there is no real cause why your immune system attacks moisture-secreting glands. Sometimes doctors misunderstand it with another autoimmune disease.

What are the Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome?

Watch out for the following symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome:

• Itchy eyes or dryness in eyes
• Dryness in vagina
• Mouth sores
• Thick spit
• Dry mouth 
• Dry nose
• Frequent nose bleeding
• Dry throat (coughing is common).

Can Sjogren's Syndrome Affect Multiple Body Part?

Since Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune disease, it impacts other body organs as well. So, you can experience the following symptoms in your other body parts:

• Muscle pain
• Debility 
• Joint pain
• Fatigue 
• Tooth decay
• Skin rashes
• Heartburn or acidity
• Constipation
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Light sensitivity 
• Loss of taste
• Confusion 
• Speech problem
• Difficulty in swallowing. 

Is Sjogren's Disease Curable?

As of now, there is no cure for Sjögren's disease. The treatment, which varies for each individual, aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. 

What is the Treatment for Sjogren's Syndrome?

Your healthcare provider can not cure Sjogren's Syndrome. Medical treatments are available to help you live life with disease. The reason behind this is that modern treatment for Sjogren's Syndrome is symptoms-based, not cause-based. 

Go over the following treatment for Sjogren syndrome that your doctor may provide you to combat dryness in glands:

Eye Lubricants

Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter eye drops and lubricants for you. These are effective in dealing with eye dryness or itchy eyes. Although they are not a cure for the disease, they can help provide temporary comfort.

Dry Eye Surgery

If your doctor feels necessary, they may recommend eye surgery, which involves closing some or all of your tear ducts. 

Saliva Production

In case you experience dryness in your saliva glands, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter saliva spit medications. They may help you in producing more saliva in your mouth. Besides this, they may suggest you some other ways to keep your throat or mouth wet like chewing gums, sipping water, or sucking ice cubes. 

Vaginal Lubricants

Your doctor may suggest you a vaginal lubricant in case you feel dryness in your vagina.

Hormone Therapy

Sometimes your doctor may recommend hormonal therapy. This becomes necessary when the cause of your vaginal dryness is hormonal imbalance. 

Besides all these treatments, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory steroid medications. Depending on the issue, your doctor may prescribe drugs that can suppress the immune system. 

In Conclusion 

While there is no certain cure for Sjogren’s syndrome, do not feel disheartened. Your doctors may help you manage this disease and live a normal life with medications. Besides this, there are many organisations that raise funds for the welfare of Sjogren's struggling patients. By joining those organisations, you can give your challenging life a new direction. You can become a motivation for others to live with this disease smoothly. 

Let’s show your heroic strength to the world on 23rd July this year. Share your life-changing story and inspire others. Your words may truly comfort someone.

>> Also Read: Chronic Disease Awareness Day

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.