What is Sjögren's syndrome and how does it affect quality of daily life?

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's healthy tissues. This attack primarily targets moisture-producing glands, such as the tear and salivary glands, leading to a noticeable decrease in the production of tears and saliva [1] [2]. Although the primary symptoms relate to dryness, the disease can extend to affect other organs, such as the joints, lungs, kidneys, and nerves, making it a challenge that impacts many aspects of a patient's quality of life [1].

Physical Impact and Common Symptoms

The severity of Sjögren's syndrome symptoms varies between individuals, with some experiencing cycles alternating between mild and severe symptoms. Chronic dryness is the most prominent symptom and can translate into bothersome daily issues:

• Eyes: A persistent burning or itching sensation, or the feeling of sand in the eyes, with potential blurred vision and sensitivity to bright light [1] [2].
• Mouth: Dryness of the tongue and throat, which makes chewing, swallowing, and speaking difficult, and increases the risk of tooth decay and oral infections [2].
• Other systems: Patients may suffer from joint and muscle pain, dry skin, skin rashes, numbness in the extremities, persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest, and vaginal dryness [1] [2].

Combined, these symptoms affect the ability to engage in daily activities, whether professional or social, highlighting the importance of ongoing medical management.

Managing Severe Dryness in Daily Life

There is currently no cure for Sjögren's syndrome; therefore, doctors focus on personalized treatment plans to alleviate symptom severity. To manage dryness and maintain quality of life, the following steps are recommended:

• Eye care: Use artificial tears or lubricating ointments, and remember to blink regularly (about 5 to 6 times per minute) while reading or working on the computer. It is also advised to protect the eyes from direct drafts and use air humidifiers in living areas [2].
• Oral care: Drink water regularly in small sips throughout the day, use lip balm, and maintain oral hygiene by using fluoride toothpaste and visiting the dentist regularly. Avoiding sugary foods and smoking is essential to prevent complications [2].

If symptoms are severe, a doctor may prescribe medications to stimulate salivary glands or immunosuppressive drugs, in addition to a simple procedure to plug tear drainage ducts to keep the eyes moist for longer periods [1] [2].

Diagnosis and Medical Follow-up

The diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome does not rely on a single test, but on a combination of clinical examination, medical history, and laboratory results. A doctor may request blood tests, such as the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test, to assess immune activity [1] [3]. Given the multiple organs that may be affected, regular follow-up with a rheumatologist and other specialists is essential to ensure the disease does not progress and affect vital organs.

For more tips on daily coping strategies, you can view our article on Sjögren's syndrome: Managing severe dryness and its impact on quality of life (Arabic).

Medical references

• Sjogren's Syndrome
• Sjögren's Disease
• ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test