There are many beauties that come with growing older, such as wisdom and nice lines, but there are also many things that go downhill. And for many people, in their early 50s, illnesses, illnesses, and other physical problems begin to rear their ugly heads. Sjögren’s syndromefor example, that’s one of them.
According to a continuing education effort published in StatsPearls, Sjögren’s syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects fluid production in the body, causing dry eyes, dry mouth, and joint pain. National Library of Medicine). The article further states that Sjögren’s syndrome is not a rare disease, with the proportion of people diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome ranging from 0.5% to 1.0%, most of whom are women over the age of 50. But why are people over 50 and women most at risk? ?
“As we age, our immune systems undergo significant changes, increasing the risk of autoantibody production and decreasing our ability to distinguish between what is ‘self’ and what is ‘foreign pathogens.’ Your immune cells are more likely to attack healthy cells in your body. ,” Dr. Jason Shinchief medical officer of OneOak Medical Group, explained to Health Digest: Women are more likely to develop Sjögren’s syndrome as they age, as estrogen affects immune function.. ”[Other] Risk factors include a family history of autoimmune disease, previous viral infections that can trigger an autoimmune response, chronic stress, and smoking. ” he added. It is important to know the signs, because in the future you may be diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome.
Warning signs of Sjögren’s syndrome to look out for
Because Sjögren’s syndrome affects fluid production, the most obvious warning signs are chronic dry eyes and dry mouth. We’re not talking about run-of-the-mill dryness, so you don’t just feel like you need to drink more water or start using eye drops. In fact, the dryness can become so severe that it can start to affect your daily life. “Patients may notice sand in their eyes or difficulty swallowing dry food,” says Singh. These symptoms certainly make sense given how Sjogren’s syndrome interferes with normal body fluid production, but they’re not the only signs.
Singh says you can also expect joint pain and swelling, continued fatigue, and swollen salivary glands. “These symptoms can develop gradually and can be mistaken for normal aging or other symptoms,” he says. Therefore, it is important not to ignore these symptoms, especially if they are all occurring at the same time. “Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications,” Singh said.
When to talk to your doctor about Sjögren’s syndrome
Although you may initially ignore these symptoms, thinking they are simply due to aging, it is important to realize that many problems come with age and should not be ignored and dealt with later. Even if your symptoms are not caused by Sjögren’s syndrome, they may indicate something else. In other words, If you are experiencing any discomfort that makes simple functions nearly impossible, you should see a doctor..
According to National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin DiseasesSjögren’s syndrome can be detected by a vision test, a saliva test (which may include a biopsy), and/or a blood test. Although there is no cure for Sjogren’s syndrome, treatments are available and, as Singh pointed out, the earlier the diagnosis, the better. Sjögren’s syndrome is generally not fatal, but if left untreated, it can lead to an increased risk of lymphoma and early death. pen medicine.
