Sjogrens Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that attacks the exocrine glands which produce tears and saliva. The body’s white blood cells attack the eyes and mouth, causing the organs to dry. This can dull the sense of smell and taste. It is the second most common autoimmune disease. Though Sjogren’s Syndrome can affect men and women of all ages, nine out of ten people with the disease are women with the most common age of onset being in the late forty’s. Those with Sjogren’s Syndrome are forty-four times more likely to develop lymphoma.
Symptoms of Sjogrens Syndrome
Common symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome include dry eyes, dry mouth, dry nose leading to nose bleeds, dry throat which can cause difficulty or pain when swallowing, and muscle weakness. Many sufferers experience a dulling of their sense of smell and taste. Some experience a tendency to develop cavities, memory problems or confusion, and feelings of numbness or tingling. If the infection moves to the lungs, it can lead to pneumonia.
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