World Sjögren's Day: 7 Common Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

World Sjogren's Day

• World Sjögren's Day is observed annually on July 23rd to raise awareness about Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the exocrine glands, particularly those that produce tears and saliva.
• World Sjögren's Day is to raise awareness, provide support to those living with Sjögren's syndrome, and promote research for better understanding and management of the condition.
• Your participation and efforts can make a difference in the lives of individuals affected by Sjögren's syndrome and contribute to global awareness and advocacy for the disease.

World Sjogren's Day History

• Jan Mikulicz-Radecki was the first person credited with describing Sjögren's Syndrome in 1892, based on a case study of a patient with enlarged parotid and lacrimal glands.
• Henrik Sjögren, born on July 23, 1899, in Sweden, investigated the combination of dry eyes, dry mouth, and joint pain in patients and published his doctoral thesis on the syndrome in 1933.
• Sjögren's Syndrome was initially met with criticism but gained recognition after Sjögren's extensive research and publication of a significant paper in 1951, describing 80 patients with dry eyes and arthritis.
• The disease began to be called Sjögren's Syndrome after Henrik Sjögren, while "keratoconjunctivitis sicca" is the scientific term for dry eyes.
• The Sjögren Foundation was established in 1983 by Elaine Harris, a patient with Sjögren's syndrome, to address the lack of information and raise awareness about the condition.
• Initiated by the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation (SSF) in the United States.
• The purpose is to raise awareness, promote understanding, and provide support for individuals with Sjögren's syndrome.
• Global participation from individuals, advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and research organizations.
• Social media plays a significant role in spreading awareness through hashtags like #WorldSjögrensDay.

World Sjogren's Day Importance

World Sjögren's Day holds significant importance in several ways:

• Awareness: World Sjögren's Day raises awareness about Sjögren's syndrome, combating misunderstandings and increasing understanding.
• Support: It provides a platform for individuals with Sjögren's syndrome to find support and connect with others facing similar challenges.
• Education: The day promotes education about Sjögren's syndrome, empowering individuals to seek proper care and make informed decisions.
• Advocacy: World Sjögren's Day encourages advocacy for research funding, improved access to care, and better support services.
• Research: It raises funds and awareness for research initiatives aimed at advancing the understanding and treatment of Sjögren's syndrome.
• Policy changes: The day contributes to policy changes that benefit individuals with Sjögren's syndrome, such as improved healthcare coverage and research funding.
• Empowerment: World Sjögren's Day empowers individuals to share their stories and become advocates for themselves and others.

7 Common Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the chronic inflammation of the exocrine glands, particularly those responsible for producing tears and saliva. While symptoms can vary from person to person, here are seven common symptoms associated with Sjögren's syndrome:

1. Dry eyes: Gritty or burning sensation, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision.
2. Dry mouth: Difficulty swallowing and speaking, constant dry or sticky feeling.
3. Fatigue: Persistent and debilitating fatigue.
4. Joint pain and stiffness: Swollen, tender joints, particularly in the hands and wrists.
5. Dry skin and rashes: Dry, itchy, and flaky skin, possible skin rashes.
6. Vaginal dryness: Discomfort during intercourse, increased risk of infections.
7. Swollen salivary glands: Tender, visible swelling of the parotid glands.

It's important to note that these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, and the severity and combination of symptoms can vary widely among individuals with Sjögren's syndrome.

Treatment and Diagnosis for Sjögren's Syndrome

Here's a comparison table outlining the treatment and diagnosis approaches for Sjögren's syndrome:

Note: The treatment options may vary based on the severity of symptoms and individual patient needs.

Ways to Support Sjogren's Day

There are several ways you can support Sjögren's Day and raise awareness about Sjögren's syndrome. Here are some ideas:

• Share on social media: Spread awareness by sharing posts, stories, and facts about Sjögren's syndrome using relevant hashtags.
• Organize events: Plan seminars, workshops, or fundraising events in your community to raise awareness.
• Wear blue: Encourage people to wear blue on Sjögren's Day and share photos with the hashtag #WearBlueforSjögrens.
• Fundraise: Set up online fundraisers, host charity walks/runs, or collaborate with local businesses to support Sjögren's-related causes.
• Educate others: Share educational materials, articles, and personal experiences to help others understand the challenges of living with Sjögren's syndrome.
• Support organizations: Donate to or volunteer with Sjögren's syndrome foundations or support groups.
• Advocate for change: Engage with policymakers, healthcare providers, and insurance companies to advocate for improved care, research funding, and awareness.

Summary

Overall, World Sjögren's Day is a day to raise awareness of an invisible disease that can have a significant impact on people's lives. Visit Drlogy Day For More Information related to important days, national days and international days like this.

References

• Sjögren syndrome By Wikipedia [1].
• Sjogren Syndrome [2].