Sjogren’s Support Group Meeting August 3rd

Submitted by Ashley Peak

    The Baton Rouge Area Sjogren’s Support Group will meet Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 5:30 – 7:30 at the Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library: 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810.  Topic: Aching Joints, Fatigue & Sjogren’s.  Anyone interested is welcome to attend.

    The support group travels to different libraries in the Baton Rouge area for their meetings in order to make meetings as accessible as possible for those who are interested.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.sjogrens.org

Information on Sjogren’s:

   Sjogren’s (SHOW-grins) Syndrome is a serious autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own moisture-producing glands causing life-altering symptoms.

    Sjogren's Syndrome is systemic causing dry eyes, dry mouth, painful joint inflammation, and chronic fatigue.

    Sjogren's Syndrome can affect vital organ systems including lungs, kidneys, lymph nodes, thyroids, and the nervous system.

    Experts believe 4 million individuals in the U.S. have the disease. Of this group, 90% are women. Sjogren's Syndrome can occur at any age, but it usually is diagnosed after age 40 and can affect people of all races and ethnic backgrounds.

    Awareness and recognition of Sjogren's Syndrome is important. Sjogren's Syndrome is a condition which is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. Many women have the disease but do not recognize the symptoms which are similar to those of other conditions and/or side effects of many medications.

    As a result, Sjogren's can be difficult to diagnose and many individuals do not receive treatment immediately.

    Sjogren's Syndrome is considered to be:

an autoimmune disease

a rheumatic disease

a connective tissue disorder

    Sjogren's Syndrome is characterized by dry mouth, dry eyes, hoarseness, vaginal dryness, skin dryness, and chronic fatigue.

     A survey done by Bruskin/Goldring Research indicated that while three of four women over 35 years old suffer at least two of the possible symptoms associated with Sjogren's Syndrome, over half of these women do not bring it to the attention of their physician, considering each insignificant and choosing to ignore the problem.

    Awareness and recognition of Sjogren's Syndrome is important

   Currently, there is no cure for Sjögren’s Syndrome. Early diagnosis and high-quality professional care are extremely important for Sjögren’s patients. However, treatments may improve various symptoms and prevent complications.