WORLD SJOGREN'S DAY
July 23 is World Sjogren's Day on the National Day Calendar. Today, we are spreading awareness for immune system disorder known as Sjogren’s (SHOW-grins) Syndrome. We are going to help you better understand the symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome and hopefully learn a few things, too.
#WORLDSJORGENSDAY
Millions of people throughout the world live with Sjogren’s Syndrome. Dry eyes and dry mouth are the two primary symptoms of this immune system disorder. Sjogren’s is an immune disorder that attacks the cells that produce saliva and tears. Besides affecting the mouth and eyes, Sjogren’s can also cause issues in other parts of the body. This includes the thyroid, kidneys, liver, lungs, and nerves. This chronic illness is often accompanied by other immune disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
7 Common Symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome
Joint pain
Skin rashes
Vaginal dryness
Persistent dry cough
Swollen salivary glands
Poor dental health
Excessive thirst
Many people with Sjogren’s also suffer from prolonged fatigue. The Sjogren’s Foundation has identified at least 13 types of fatigue. Some of these kinds of fatigue include basic, rebound, sudden, weather-related, tired-but-wired, and fatigue brought on by stress and anxiety. It’s common for those with Sjogren’s to experience some or all of these kinds of fatigue at some point in their life. Those who suffer with Sjogren’s say that fatigue is the third most prevalent symptom of the illness.
Because the symptoms of Sjogren's vary widely from person to person, it can make the disease hard to diagnose. Many of the symptoms are common with other kinds of autoimmune diseases, which also makes it difficult to diagnose.
There is no cure for Sjogren’s. However, there are some treatment options that help to alleviate symptoms. Medications can help relieve symptoms associated with dry eyes and dry mouth. Hydroxychloroquine has proven to be effective in combatting symptoms. Some doctors may also prescribe drugs that suppress the immune system. Natural remedies that help alleviate symptoms include ear acupuncture, probiotics, black currant seed oil, and fish oil.
6 WAYS TO SUPPORT #WorldSjogrensDay
Every year healthcare organizations and Sjogren’s foundations hold events to spread awareness for this day. These events include workshops, webinars, and educational seminars. Healthcare professionals also encourage those with Sjogren’s Syndrome to become involved in research. Here are a few other ways to participate in today's World Day:
Learn more about Sjogren’s Syndrome by reading “The Sjogren’s Book”.
If you have been diagnosed with Sjogren’s, share your story with others.
Read about famous people with Sjogren’s such as tennis superstar, Venus Williams and Olympic gold medalist, Shannon Boxx.
Make a donation to help further Sjorgen’s research and awareness.
Look up information online about Dr. Henrik Sjogren.
Share this day or share your story on social media by tagging #WorldSjogrensDay.
WORLD SJOGREN’S DAY HISTORY
In 1998, the late Congresswoman, Louise Slaughter helped establish April as Sjogren’s Awareness Month. The Sjogren’s Foundation helped promote this awareness month. In later years, the Sjogren’s Foundation founded World Sjogren’s Day. They chose the date July 23 to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Henrik Sjogren. Dr. Sjogren was the Swedish ophthalmologist who discovered the immune disorder in 1933.