Sjogren Syndrome Research Paper

Sjogren syndrome is a chronic, slowly progressive, inflammatory autoimmune disorder characterized by dryness of the mouth and eyes. This autoimmune illness features inflammation in the lacrimal and parotid glands. The inflammation in the lacrimal gland leads to decreased water production for tears, causing dry eyes. The inflammation in the parotid leads to decreased saliva production in the mouth, causing dry mouth and dry lips. The two distinct forms of Sjogren syndrome are primary and secondary. Primary Sjogren syndrome is defined as dry eye and dry mouth that is not associated with another connective tissue disease. Primary syndrome occurs in approximately fifty percent of cases according to the Sjogren Foundation of America (2010 par. 1). Secondary syndrome is characterized by dry eye and dry mouth that is associated with a connective tissue disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or scleroderma. It
Blood tests may be ordered to check for the presence of antibodies that are common with this illness. The blood test will also be used for evidence of inflammatory conditions, this will show indications of problems with the liver and kidneys. A Schirmer tear test will be used to measure the dryness of the eyes. A slit lamp test may need to be performed by an ophthalmologist, this is a magnifying device where drops are placed in the eye that will make any damage to your cornea easier to see. Certain imaging test can check the function of your salivary glands. A sialogram is used to detect dye injected into the salivary glands located in front of the ears. This will show how much saliva flows into your mouth. A salivary scintigraphy uses an intravenous injection of radioactive isotope, which is track for an hour to show how quickly it arrives in the salivary glands. A lip biopsy may be needed to detect the presence of clusters of inflammatory