Women should pay attention to 6 symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome

What is Sjögren's syndrome? Experts say the cause of Sjögren's syndrome is still unclear and may be related to autoimmunity, genetics, viral infection and other factors.

Sjögren's syndrome is divided into primary and secondary. The former exists alone, while the latter coexists with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, etc. 90% of the patients are women, and the age of onset is between 30 and 40 years old. More than 80% of Sjögren's syndrome patients experience dry mouth symptoms, which is due to reduced salivary gland secretion. Dry mouth with no saliva or little saliva, so dry food cannot be swallowed and water is needed to swallow it. Most patients with Sjögren's syndrome have reduced saliva secretion by the salivary glands, and their teeth lose the moisturizing, flushing and nutritional functions of saliva. The teeth gradually turn black and fall off in pieces, leaving only the residual roots. Since the occurrence and degree of this type of caries are more serious than general caries, it is called "rampant teeth". In addition, patients with this disease often feel dry eyes, little or no tears due to decreased lacrimal gland secretion function, and cannot cry when emotionally excited. There is a foreign body friction or burning sensation in the eyes, heavy eyelids, and a sense of curtain-like obstruction in front of the eyes. Patients are afraid of light, have eye pain, and recurrent keratitis and conjunctivitis. Some patients have dry skin, dry nose without mucus, cough up sticky sputum, dry stool, vaginal dryness, and difficulty in sexual intercourse.

1) Dry eyes and dry mouth in middle-aged women;

2) Atypical joint pain that does not meet other arthritis diagnostic criteria;

3) Rapid onset of caries or tooth loss in recent months or years;

4) Recurrent parotid gland swelling;

5) Excessive discharge from the corners of the eyes in the morning;

6) Unexplained hepatobiliary damage, etc. If Sjögren's syndrome is treated early, it can effectively slow down the progression of the disease and improve the prognosis.

Experts suggest that patients with this disease should first develop good living habits, follow a regular schedule, avoid staying up late, and eat at regular times and in regular amounts. Secondly, the diet should be light, avoid getting inflamed, avoid eating fried foods, and eat more heat-clearing foods, such as fresh green leafy vegetables, cucumbers, oranges, green tea, etc.; you should also eat more carrots to supplement the body's essential vitamin B and avoid chapped lips. When taking tonic medicine, you should avoid eating foods that are very dry, such as deer antler and cinnamon. At the same time, keep a calm mind. A peaceful state of mind is conducive to the smooth flow of qi and blood, and can avoid getting angry due to emotional stimulation.