Sjogren syndrome how many people

Dry mouth syndrome. Reduced salivation. Do you have more information about symptoms of this disease? We want to hear from you. Do you have updated information on this disease? Cause Cause. Sjogren syndrome likely results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors it appears to be multifactorial. Several different genes appear to affect the risk of developing the condition, but specific genes have not been confirmed. Simply having one of these genes does not cause a person to develop the disease.

Some sort of "trigger" is also needed, such as a viral or bacterial infection. The genetic variations that increase susceptibility may reduce the body's ability to turn off the immune response when it is no longer needed.

Inheritance Inheritance. A genetic predisposition to Sjogren syndrome has been suggested, but the condition itself does not appear to be inherited. Familial clustering of different autoimmune diseases , as well as co-association of multiple autoimmune diseases in individuals, have frequently been reported. Treatment Treatment. FDA-approved indication: Treatment of dry mouth in patients with Sjogren's syndrome. Prognosis Prognosis. Most people with Sjogren syndrome have limited symptoms such as dry eyes and dry mouth.

Their general health and life expectancy are largely unaffected. People with Sjogren syndrome who don't develop a lymphoproliferative disorder can generally expect to have a normal life span. Find a Specialist Find a Specialist.

Healthcare Resources To find a medical professional who specializes in genetics, you can ask your doctor for a referral or you can search for one yourself. You can also learn more about genetic consultations from MedlinePlus Genetics. Research Research. Clinical Research Resources ClinicalTrials. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials. Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.

We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study. Patient Registry The Autoimmune Registry supports research for Sjogren syndrome by collecting information about patients with this and other autoimmune diseases. You can join the registry to share your information with researchers and receive updates about participating in new research studies. Learn more about registries. Organizations Organizations. Organizations Supporting this Disease.

Organizations Providing General Support. Do you know of an organization? Learn More Learn More. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition. MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.

Genetics Home Reference contains information on Sjogren syndrome. This website is maintained by the National Library of Medicine. Skip to main content. Submit Search. You are here Home » Disorders » All Disorders. What research is being done? See More About Research. Show More. Show Less. Search Disorders. View Full Definition. View Full Treatment Information. View Full Prognosis. Blood tests can determine the presence of antibodies immune system proteins that help destroy foreign invaders typical of the disease.

Biopsies of saliva glands around the face or under the surface of the inner lip also may be used to make a diagnosis. Treatment is designed to lessen the most bothersome symptoms. Dry eyes usually respond to artificial tears applied regularly during the day or to gels applied at night. Other measures, such as plugging or blocking tear ducts, can be used in more severe cases. Eye drops that reduce inflammation in the glands around the eyes, such as cyclosporine Restasis , may be used to increase tear production.

Drinking water, chewing gum, or using saliva substitutes may relieve dry mouth. Some patients benefit from using prescription medications that stimulate saliva flow, such as pilocarpine Salagen or cevimuline Evoxac. If patients develop yeast infections, anti-fungal therapies may be used. Humidifiers and nasal saline irrigation may improve nasal dryness. Medications that reduce gastric acid such as proton-pump inhibitors and H2 blockers may lessen symptoms of acid reflux. Treatments may help relieve some of the dryness, but usually some dryness persists.

Patients with dry eyes should see an ophthalmologist eye doctor regularly for signs of damage to the cornea. Patients with excessive redness and pain in the eyes should be evaluated for infections.

Patients should know that they face an increased risk for infections in and around the eyes and an increased risk for dental problems due to the long-term decrease in tears and saliva. Rarely, patients may have complications related to inflammation in other body systems, including:. Rheumatologists are specialists in musculoskeletal disorders and, therefore, are more likely to make a proper diagnosis.