“Hidden” syndrome, which mainly affects women over 40 years old

Shegren syndrome – autoimmune disease that affects mainly women after 40 years. Learn about the symptoms, risks and complications from data from the Clinic of Mayo and the University of Navarra.

According to estimates, c Spain More than 100,000 people suffer from them. The disease is named after the Swedish ophthalmologist, who first described it in 1933. Spanish Association Shegren (AES) It claims that the diagnosis is difficult due to the variety of symptoms, which are often similar to signs of other diseases. The main reasons are considered genetic And Hormonal Factors.

As a rule, the disease has a favorable prognosis, but, according to data Clinics of the University of Navarrain some patients with damage to internal organs, progression becomes more serious, accompanied by complications.

IN Clinic of the University of Navarra It is noted that there are “patients with damage to organs in whom the forecast is significantly deteriorating, as well as patients who have serious complications.”

Symptoms of Shegren syndrome

According to data Clinic Mayothe most common symptoms of the disease include:

• Dry eyes: a burning sensation, itching or sand in the eyes.
• Dry mouth: The feeling that the mouth is filled with cotton, difficulties with swallowing or speech.

However, these are not all the symptoms that can occur in the disease. Others include:

• Inflammation salivary glandsespecially under the jaw or in front of the ears.
• Arthralgiastiffness or edema of the joints.
• Skin rash or Dry skin.
• Constant dry cough.
• Dry vagina.
• Long fatigue.

This syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues of the body. As explains Clinic Mayoscientists “are not sure why some people are developing Shegren syndrome“. Nevertheless, it is believed that the risk increases due to certain genesbut probably a provoking factor is required, for example, Viral infection Or a certain strain of bacteria.

The disease initially affects the glands that produce tears and saliva, but other organs can affect: Joints, Kids, thyroid gland, liver, skin, lungs or nerve.

Risk factors for the development of Shegren syndrome

Age – One of the key risk factors. Shegren syndrome It is usually diagnosed in people over 40 years old. In addition, as mentioned, it is more common in women.

According to data Clinic Mayopatients with this syndrome are often observed Rheumatic diseasessuch as Rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Among the common complications caused by the disease, problems with the eyes and mouth are distinguished. One of the main threats is caries, since “saliva helps to protect the teeth from bacteria. At dry mouth The likelihood of caries is increased. ”

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