Sjogren Syndrome and Lupus: Is There a Link?
Mar 30, 2021
Sjogren syndrome and lupus can both cause a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms. But is there a connection between the two conditions? The answer might surprise you. Read on to learn about possible links between sjogren syndrome and lupus.
Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune disease. This means that a person’s immune system misfires, attacking healthy parts of the body instead of infections. There are many different autoimmune diseases, which can affect different parts of the body. In Sjogren syndrome, the immune system attacks the glands that make tears and saliva. The syndrome causes dry mouth, eyes, and throat, as well as dryness elsewhere in the body.
Lupus is another autoimmune disease. In lupus, a person’s immune system attacks different types of tissue throughout the body. This means that lupus patients experience more generalized symptoms, such as fatigue and joint pain. Lupus patients also often get a butterfly-shaped rash across their nose and cheeks. Because lupus symptoms tend to be more general, patients often need multiple tests before they are diagnosed.
Sjogren’s syndrome can occur on its own, but it often occurs with other autoimmune diseases. Lupus and sjogren’s syndrome commonly occur together. In fact, having one of these diseases can lead to patients being diagnosed with the other, too. Of course, having both sjogren’s syndrome and lupus can make patients very uncomfortable. However, both diseases often respond to similar treatments.
If you have an autoimmune disease, then it is important to work with a rheumatologist. These doctors can help you make sense of your symptoms and develop the right treatment plan. They can also help you create a lifestyle that works with your conditions. Autoimmune symptoms tend to fluctuate over time, so it’s important that you and your doctor come up with long-term strategies that work for you.
Houston Rheumatology treats both sjogren syndrome and lupus, as well as a variety of other inflammatory conditions. We provide personalized care to each patient, ensuring that they get comfortable, compassionate, and reliable care. Click the link above to schedule your appointment today.