Sjogren syndrome

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Antibodies

Xerostomia-Sjogren syndrome; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca - Sjogren's

Dryness of the mouth and eyes are the most common symptoms of this syndrome.

Eye symptoms:

• Itching eyes
• Feeling that something is in the eye

Mouth and throat symptoms:

• Difficulty swallowing or eating
• Loss of sense of taste
• Difficulty speaking
• Thick or stringy saliva
• Mouth sores or pain
• Hoarseness

Other symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Change in the color of hands or feet
• Joint pain or joint swelling
• Swollen glands

A physical examination reveals dry eyes and mouth. There may be mouth sores because of the mouth dryness.

Tests:

• Schirmer's test
• Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) test
• Salivary gland biopsy
• Rheumatoid factor (possible)
• Tear test
• Slit lamp examination with rose bengal dye

Review Date: 05/31/2009
Reviewed By: Mark James Borigini, MD, Rheumatologist in the Washington, DC Metro area. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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