NeuroTalk Support Groups - Sicca Syndrome/Sjogrens Syndrome

NeuroTalk Support Groups (https://www.neurotalk.org/)

- Autoimmune Diseases (https://www.neurotalk.org/autoimmune-diseases/)

- - Sicca Syndrome/Sjogrens Syndrome (https://www.neurotalk.org/autoimmune-diseases/73653-sicca-syndrome-sjogrens-syndrome.html)

Sicca Syndrome/Sjogrens Syndrome

So, is there a difference? When my sleep doc told me I may have Sicca Syndrome, I had never heard of it. When I researched it online, not much is said about Sicca, and often refers back to Sjogrens. I found this:

http://palm.skynetmd.com/skymain_sea...lm&li=palm&v=2

Quote:

If the person has symptoms suggestive of Sjogren's, such as excessive dryness of the eyes and mouth, thirst, gritty sensation in the eyes, red injected eyes, mouth sores, abnormal taste, cavities, recurrent nosebleeds, cough, hoarseness, swelling in front of the ears (parotid enlargement), arthritis like symptoms.

I have a mouth full of fillings, and now, broken teeth. I have been diagnosed with dry eyes, although my boss, also my optometrist, says it's hormonal or allergies, so I use Refresh or Systane Ultra every day. The gritty sensation in my eyes is a daily occurance. The dry throat started last year, and now that I have a CPAP machine, I am finding the dryness much worse, with my tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth every morning. Years ago, my voice changed to the deep, raspy voice I have now. I spend most of one summer with no voice at all. Dry nasal passages is a daily occurance too.

I also know there are different ways of testing for Sicca/Sjogrens, some better than others. What is the best way?

Thank you.

Hello, they call it sicca syndrome when there is no diagnosis of Sjogrens or any other disease causing the dryness. There are blood tests that can confirm Sjogrens , but many people are negative on those tests yet exhibit the symptoms. Lip biopsy and schirmer eye test can also be used to diagnose Sjogrens. Hope this helps some. Mary:)

Welcome to NeuroTalk Sleeeepy.

I'm not sure if you noticed that the post you replied to above was made back on 01-25-2009. That isn't a problem but wasn't sure if you were aware or not.

Im going to blame my not noticing how old this post was on my brain fog:confused: Thanks for telling me because I am finding it difficult to navigate around this site, but give me a little while and I will be flying through here..LOL Thanks again ....Mary:)

Thanks for responding anyways...I'm still dealing with the dryness, and my neuro said I was negative for Sicca. My eyes are the worst, although, I do have sleep apnea and my CPAP dries my mouth out so bad I can't even spit. Yes, it does have a humidifier on it, and I fill it everyday with distilled water. when it's rainy, my eyes do fairly well, the minute it starts to get nice, I have a sand pile in them, burning, scratchy...goes on and on. I work for an optometrist who tells me it's hormonal..which I do not believe. I know it's auto-immune, I already have other auto-immune issues.

Thanks again,
Deb