-- : SJOGREN’S SYNDROME - RESEARCH BY MALAYSIA Chinese Master's NEURO ACUPUNCTURE HERBAL MEDICINE treatment

Sjogren’s syndrome affects an estimated 1 million to 4 million people in the United States and is often defined by its two most common symptoms - dry eyes and a dry mouth.

Yet Sjogren's is more than a symptom. It's an autoimmune disease that often accompanies rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma and polymyositis. These rheumatic diseases are marked by inflammation of your connective tissues, and it's common for people with Sjogren’s syndrome to also have a connective tissue disorder. Sjogren's that results from a rheumatic condition is classified as secondary Sjogren's syndrome. Primary Sjogren’s syndrome occurs by itself.

Sjogren’s syndrome your immune system attacks healthy tissue. The mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are usually affected first, resulting in decreased production of tears and saliva. This can lead to problems from difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) to dental cavities to light-sensitive eyes to corneal ulcers. Damage may also occur to tissues of your lungs, kidneys, Spleen, heart and liver.

Although you can develop Sjogren’s syndrome at any age, most people are older than 40 at diagnosis. The condition is nine times more likely to occur in women than in men.

-- : SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS - RESEARCH BY MALAYSIA Chinese Master's NEURO ACUPUNCTURE HERBAL MEDICINE treatment

Sjogren’s syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms are similar to those caused by other diseases and can vary from person to person. In addition, the side effects of a number of medications can mimic some signs and symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome. Still, typical signs and symptoms of Sjogren's include:

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Dental cavities
• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Enlarged parotid glands- one set of your salivary glands, located behind your jaw and in front of your ears
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing
• Change in sense of taste
• Hoarseness
• Oral yeast infections, such as candidiasis
• Irritation and mild bleeding in your nose
• Bruising
• Skin rashes or dry skin
• Vaginal dryness
• Dry cough that doesn't produce sputum
• Joint pain, swelling and stiffness

-- : SJOGREN'S SYNDROME- CAUSES - RESEARCH BY MALAYSIA Chinese Master's NEURO ACUPUNCTURE HERBAL MEDICINE treatment

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. The body attacks its own cells and tissues. It's known that your Yin deficiency gives risk to dryness and damages your immune system. These factors may be related to heredity, hormones or a viral infection. In the case of Sjogren's syndrome, they cause the overproduction of white blood cells called lymphocytes, which attack and damage your moisture-producing glands. They can also damage other organs, including your lungs, kidneys and liver.

--: SJOGREN'S SYNDROME- RISK FACTORS - RESEARCH BY MALAYSIA Chinese Master's NEURO ACUPUNCTURE HERBAL MEDICINE treatment

Anyone can develop Sjogren's syndrome, it typically occurs in people with one or more known risk factors. These include :

Having a rheumatic disease. It's common for people who have Sjogren’s syndrome to also have a rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma or polymyositis.

Being female. Women are nine times as likely as men are to have Sjogren's syndrome.

Being a certain age. Sjogren’s syndrome is usually diagnosed in people older than 40.

Having a family history of Sjogren's. Sjogren’s syndrome sometimes runs in families.