Sjogren Syndrome Antibody Cost & Procedure

In this disorder, there is an attack on healthy tissues in the body by the immune system. There is an attack mainly on the lacrimal glands. The glands help in producing tears present in the eyes. There is also the production of saliva by the salivary glands.

In Sjogren syndrome, there is a reduction in the production of saliva and tears, which results in a dry mouth and dry eyes. There is an effect on the brain, kidneys, and lungs.

Symptoms

• Itching
• Burning
• Stinging
• Irritation
• Joint pain
• Fatigue
• There is a decrease in salivation which will lead to choking and difficulty in swallowing and chewing.

As saliva helps kill bacteria, preventing infections.

With the reduced saliva production, patients with this syndrome suffer from tooth decay.

There may be an occurrence of vaginal dryness.

Types of Sjogren Syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome is of two types.

• Primary
• Secondary
• Primary Sjogren’s syndrome occurs independently and is not associated with another disorder. Secondary Sjogren’s syndrome develops in someone with another autoimmune illness, usually rheumatoid arthritis.

During the diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome, the physician asks about the symptoms and his medical history, and the medications, as there are many medications, such as antidepressants and antihistamines, that cause similar symptoms of dryness.

Blood test for Sjogren syndrome

A blood test helps in the detection of specific antibodies. Our immune system detects proteins that bind to the harmful substances that see the autoimmune disorder.

Sialometry

Spirometry is a test that is used to measure the production of saliva. During this test, the patient is asked to sit without chewing or talking for 5 to 15 minutes, and the patient is asked to spit the saliva into a tube for measurement. Also, the patient is asked to perform a spirometry test after placing lemon juice on the tongue, which produces saliva.

Biopsy

The biopsy includes the removal of a small piece of tissue, which contains any salivary gland examined under the microscope.

There is the application of a local anesthetic into the patient's lower lip. Using a needle and tweezers, the physician removes some salivary glands, and the samples are sent to a laboratory for examination. There may be the application of Stitches for the closure of the incision, and these stitches may lead to soreness after this procedure.

Examination of eye

The main symptom of Sjogren syndrome is dry eyes.

So for the examination of the eye, Schirmer’s test is conducted. In this test, the ophthalmologist places a strip of a specific paper on the inside of both lower lids. After five minutes, there is an investigation of the moisture produced by the eyes. If there is less water production by the patient stares, the patient has Sjogren syndrome.