~What is Sjogren's Syndrome?~

Sjogren's syndrome is a disease where your immune system is not working correctly. Your healthy tissue is being attacked by your immune system for no apparent reason. Sjogren's syndrome is not age specific though diagnosis are done after age 40. Women seem to be effected more often than men.

~Symptoms~

With Sjogren's syndrome the individual will experience dry eyes and a dry mouth. A lot of the symptoms are misdiagnosed due to the fact that they resemble so many other pathologies. Other symptoms include fatigue, dental cavities, difficulty swallowing, taste change, hoarseness, and joint pain just to mention a few.

~Treatments~

As with any abnormality is best to consult a doctor prior to taking major medications. With Sjogen's syndrome it is best to look at current medications you are on in order to insure that these are not causing your problems and symptoms. Medications such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids may be taken to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery is an option to seal off tear ducts and help the dry eyes.

Information from MayoClinic.com & image from http://download.imaging.consult.com/ic/images/S1933033207755428/gr8-midi.jpg