How do you get sjogrens syndrome

Read more. The results of an ANA antinuclear antibody test will determine if you have an autoimmune disorder. Ocular surface staining to look closely at the surfaces of your eyes for damage and dryness. It affects ten times as many women as men. About half of patients also have rheumatoid arthritis or other connective tissue diseases, such as lupus. Patients with this condition may notice irritation, a gritty feeling, or painful burning in the eyes. Dry mouth or difficulty eating dry foods and swelling of the glands around the face and neck are also common.

Some patients experience dryness in the nasal passages, throat, vagina and skin. Swallowing difficulty and symptoms of acid reflux are also common.

It can occasionally be confused with a newly described syndrome call IGG4 disease. Patients with dry eyes are at increased risk for infections around the eye and may have damage to the cornea. Dry mouth may cause an increase in dental decay, gingivitis gum inflammation , and oral yeast infections thrush that may cause pain and burning. Some patients have episodes of painful swelling in the saliva glands around the face.

Complications in other parts of the body can occur. Pain and stiffness in the joints with mild swelling may occur in some patients, even in those without rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Dry mouth increases your risk of dental cavities and tooth loss.

To help prevent those types of problems:. If dry skin is a problem, avoid hot water when you bathe and shower. Pat your skin — don't rub — with a towel, and apply moisturizer when your skin is still damp. Use rubber gloves when doing dishes or housecleaning. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants help women who have vaginal dryness. Depending on your symptoms, you might start by seeing your family doctor, dentist or eye doctor.

But you might eventually be referred to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions rheumatologist. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. The condition often accompanies other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

In Sjogren's syndrome, the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting in decreased tears and saliva. Although you can develop Sjogren's syndrome at any age, most people are older than 40 at the time of diagnosis. The condition is much more common in women. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. You have three pairs of major salivary glands — parotid, sublingual and submandibular.

Each gland has its own tube duct leading from the gland to the mouth. Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder.