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Dr. Paul G. Donohue is a syndicated columnist whom I very much respect.
He writes a medical commentary carried daily by my local newspaper (Press Enterprise, Bloomsburg, PA, USA).
Today's headline for the column was: Immune attack leads to dry eyes, mouth
Today's question from a reader was: "DEAR DR. DONOHUE:
Will you explain Sjogren's syndrome? I have been told I have it. I had a biopsy and blood work, and the results confirmed the diagnosis. I can't find a doctor to help me. — M.C."
Here are excerpts from Dr. Donohue's answer:
"A: Dry eyes and dry mouth are the evil twins of Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome, which is brought on by an immune attack on the salivary and tear glands. Lymphocytes — one kind of white blood cells and an integral part of the immune system — march into salivary and tear glands and disrupt the production of tears and saliva. The result is dry, gritty, burning and possibly itchy eyes with a mouth so dry that swallowing and talking become most difficult. A dry mouth also promotes tooth decay. . . . Above all, contact the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation at 800-475-6473, or visit it on the Internet at www.sjogrens.org. The foundation will keep you abreast of new developments and provide you with information on this illness."
He writes a medical commentary carried daily by my local newspaper (Press Enterprise, Bloomsburg, PA, USA).
Today's headline for the column was: Immune attack leads to dry eyes, mouth
Today's question from a reader was: "DEAR DR. DONOHUE:
Will you explain Sjogren's syndrome? I have been told I have it. I had a biopsy and blood work, and the results confirmed the diagnosis. I can't find a doctor to help me. — M.C."
Here are excerpts from Dr. Donohue's answer:
"A: Dry eyes and dry mouth are the evil twins of Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome, which is brought on by an immune attack on the salivary and tear glands. Lymphocytes — one kind of white blood cells and an integral part of the immune system — march into salivary and tear glands and disrupt the production of tears and saliva. The result is dry, gritty, burning and possibly itchy eyes with a mouth so dry that swallowing and talking become most difficult. A dry mouth also promotes tooth decay. . . . Above all, contact the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation at 800-475-6473, or visit it on the Internet at www.sjogrens.org. The foundation will keep you abreast of new developments and provide you with information on this illness."
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