Sjogren's Syndrome: Indications It Could Be More Serious

Sjogren's syndrome, otherwise known as dry eye or dry mouth syndrome, is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells responsible for producing tears and saliva. It is also often accompanied by other autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Women over the age of forty are most at risk of developing this condition. Sjogren's syndrome is diagnosed through a variety of tests, including biopsies, blood tests, and eye tests. Treatment for this condition focuses on symptom relief and shifts based on what parts of the body are affected.

Here are several indications Sjogren's syndrome might be more than just dry eyes and mouth.

Inflammation Of The Spinal Cord

Some patients with Sjogren's syndrome may develop myelitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the spinal cord. In addition to being painful, it may cause weakness, difficulty using the bathroom, and numbness throughout the body. Many patients dealing with Sjogren's syndrome are misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis at first, as inflammation of the spinal cord is an incredibly common symptom in both of these diseases. However, the treatments for both Sjogren's syndrome and multiple sclerosis are very different and may cause a flare-up or worsen the conditions if not treated properly.

Continue reading to reveal more indicators of Sjogren's syndrome now.