April is Sjogren’s Syndrome Awareness Month. What is Sjogren’s Syndrome? Sjogren’s is pronounced show-grins and is a disease that affects the moisture producing glands in your body. It is an autoimmune disease and has many symptoms which mimic other diseases like arthritis, fibromyalgia and even Multiple Sclerosis, making it difficult to diagnosis.

The main symptoms though, are dry eyes and dry mouth which can be very uncomfortable and even painful. The eye dryness can cause infections, ulcers and other problems with the eyes. Dry mouth can cause cavities, problems with taste and ulcers of the mouth.

Sjogren’s can also affect other parts of the body too which can cause serious health issues. For example, autoimmune pancreatitis, peripheral neuropathy and autoimmune hepatitis. Having Sjogren’s doesn’t mean that you will be affected in this manner, but that you are more likely to be diagnosed with one or more of these diseases.

It is important to be treated by a doctor who is knowledgeable about Sjogren’s Syndrome. Most often a Rhuematologist is your primary doctor. You will probably need an Opthamologist (not an Optometrist) and a Dentist. Then depending on what other types of illnesses you have, you may need an ENT, Pulmonologist and a Gastroenterologist.

Please visit the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation for more information on this disease. I have written a Squidoo lens about Sjogren’s where I write about how my life has been affected by this disease. I include information about SS and some products that can help you live more comfortably with the side effects. You can also learn how to advocate and inform others about Sjogren’s.