The condition may progress slowly, so the typical symptoms of dry eyes and mouth may take years to show. However, rapid onset can also occur. Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, and the progression is often unpredictable.
What does a Sjogren's flare up feel like?
Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome. Multiple joints are painful, usually episodically with periods of joint pain, known as “flares”, followed by periods of little or no joint pain. Tenderness and swelling of the joints, when present, are indicative of inflammatory arthritis.
As with other autoimmune diseases, the severity of Sjögren's varies from person to person. Many patients have a mild disease that only affects the eyes and mouth. Others have symptoms that wax and wane in severity or may even go into remission. Some have severe and chronic (long-term) symptoms.
Can Sjogren's affect men?
Sjögren's is a chronic autoimmune disease that is likely more prevalent in men than currently appreciated. At present, one out of every ten diagnosed patients is male, but that number is expected to grow as awareness is raised.
Can autoimmune diseases cause ED?
Autoimmune diseases can cause or contribute to erectile dysfunction, either due to direct physical effects or the psychological pressures they place on a person.24 May 2021
What are the long term effects of Sjogren's syndrome?
If You Think You May Have Sjögren's Syndrome If Sjögren's syndrome isn't treated appropriately, significant, long-term complications could result that affect your eyes, mouth, lungs, kidneys, liver or lymph nodes — complications including blindness, significant dental destruction and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
What organs are affected by Sjogren's syndrome?
Sjögren's syndrome can also affect other body organ systems. These organs include the skin, joints, muscles, blood, lung, heart, kidney, and nerves.
What does Sjogren's fatigue feel like?
This fatigue can be divided into two categories — physical and mental. Studies indicate that Sjogren's patients experience more physical fatigue than mental fatigue. These patients also report intense daytime sleepiness, an indicator of physical exhaustion.7 Apr 2020
What can mimic Sjögren's?
- tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- oral contraceptives.
- blood pressure medications.
How long can a person live with Sjogren's syndrome?
Although life expectancy is not typically affected, patients' quality of life is, and considerably. Secretory glands don't work, resulting in dryness in the eyes, mouth, throat, and other organs, along with complications such as pain, fatigue, and digestive problems.8 Nov 2019
Is sjogrens a terminal illness?
Sjogren's is a serious condition, but timely treatment can mean that complications are less likely to develop, and tissue damage is less likely to occur. Once treated, an individual can usually manage the condition well. Sjogren's can develop at any age, but most diagnoses occur after the age of 40 years.