Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease, characterized by the abnormal production of extra antibodies in the blood that are directed against various tissues of the body. This particular autoimmune illness is caused by inflammation in the glands of the body. Inflammation of the glands that produce tears (lacrimal glands) leads to decreased water production for tears and eye dryness. Inflammation of the glands that produce the saliva in the mouth (salivary glands, including the parotid glands) leads to mouth dryness.
Sjogren's syndrome that involves the gland inflammation (resulting in dryness of the eyes and mouth, etc.), but not associated with a connective tissue disease, is referred to as primary Sjogren's syndrome. Secondary Sjogren's syndrome involves not only gland inflammation, but is associated with a connective tissue disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or scleroderma.
different from my iritis which was painful inflammation..... just thoughti would offer info~*yalinda
This is very good info. Thank you much! The rheumodude was/is checking me out for Sjogren's syndrome. My blood results showed Sjogren's anti-ss-a to be negative 20 U/ml, and negative is <100. Sjogren's anti-ss-b was 5 U/ml. Negative is <100 also.
I am having trouble with my eyes, and it just started 4-5 days ago. They hurt and feel like I have sand in them, or a rough covering over them. It could be that I have strained them from staying on the net and reading so much, or cateracts. Don't lnow if cateracts hurt, but will check.....
I had taken the oral steroids before the test. I am going to try to find out if this may have effected the test. Now my question is "how in the heck do you pronounce Sjogren's syndrome? Ha ha ha.
Have a very good day :)
Rj
hooked on phonics worked for me!
..."SHOW'grahns".... or "SHOW'grehns" in that matter too. kinda like Gremlins? lol
i don't feel good!
Active/Severe Rheumatory Arthritis. Crohns. AS. Chiari Malformation & Right Brain venous anomoly. Partial complex seizures. Emphysema. Rheumatic Lung & Heart. MVP and Tricuspid prolapse. Had Lymes disease for 10 years.
It's really pronounced like that? Showgrahns? I've been calling SaJorns for years!!!!
Erin, do you have showgrahn's? Or issues related to it?
Elcamino
Current dx: Rheumatoid Arthritis