干燥的 并发症状
Overview
干燥的 syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture-producing glands. As a result, people with this condition usually have dry eyes and a dry mouth. 干燥的 syndrome may also cause dryness of the skin or vagina and may affect other organs, 比如肺, 肾脏, gastrointestinal tract or nervous system. 病人 may suffer from joint pain or fatigue.
Our approach to 干燥的 syndrome
UCSF is home to one of the only centers dedicated to treating patients with 干燥的 syndrome, staffed by oral medicine specialists with expertise in this condition. Depending on the patient's needs, the care team may also include rheumatologists and ophthalmologists.
There is no cure for 干燥的 syndrome, but treatments can ease 症状. Options include medications to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation, as well as artificial tears, saline nasal spray and other products to relieve dry tissues.
奖 & 识别
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Among the top hospitals in the nation
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Best in California and No. 7 in the nation for rheumatology
迹象 & 症状
The hallmark 症状 of 干燥的 syndrome are extreme dry eyes and mouth. Some people also experience joint pain, swelling and/or stiffness.
干燥的 syndrome that occurs by itself is called primary 干燥的 syndrome. When it occurs with another rheumatic disease – such as rheumatoid arthritis, 系统性红斑狼疮, scleroderma or polymyositis-dermatomyositis – it's called secondary 干燥的 syndrome.
Affecting as many as 4 million Americans, 干燥的 syndrome is one of the most common of the autoimmune diseases. Nine in 10 patients are women, and onset is typically in middle age. The cause of the disease is unknown, 虽然遗传, infection and hormones may be contributing factors.
诊断
Diagnosing 干燥的 syndrome can difficult because the 症状 often mimic those caused by other diseases. Also, side effects from many medications can be similar to the signs and 症状 of the syndrome. Your doctor can rule out other conditions through various tests in hopes of making a 干燥的 syndrome diagnosis.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing complications.
Several tests may be performed, including blood tests for antibodies and inflammation, eye tests for tear production, and salivary gland tests to determine saliva flow and possible gland inflammation.
治疗
Treatment for 干燥的 syndrome focuses on alleviating its 症状, often with over-the-counter and prescription medications. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), preservative-free artificial tears, 人工唾液, 无香味的护肤品, saline nasal sprays and vaginal lubricants as well as immunosuppressive medications.
For some patients, exercise helps reduce joint pain and build physical stamina.
Currently, there's no cure for the condition.
加州大学旧金山分校健康 medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.