Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that destroys the glands that produce saliva and tears. Sjogren's syndrome occurs in approximately 2 to 4 million Americans, according to Arthritis Insight's website. Dry mouth and dry eyes often characterize Sjogren's syndrome. Sjogren's syndrome is commonly associated with a disorder known as rheumatoid arthritis, according to the National Institutes of Health. While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatments are available to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that most often affects the small joints, such as those in the hands and feet. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons explains that rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system begins to attack the body's own tissues, causing the joint lining to swell and invade surrounding tissues. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis commonly include joint pain, swelling, red and puffy hands, tender joints, firm bumps under the skin of the arms called rheumatoid nodules, fatigue, fever and morning stiffness.
Treatments
Rheumatoid arthritis commonly requires life-long treatment. The medications most often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis are disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs such as methotrexate and leflunomide; anti-inflammatory medications including celecoxib; antimalarial medications such as hydroxychloroquine; and corticosteroids such as prednisolone.
Physicians also prescribe biologic agents to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Biologic drugs affect parts of the immune system that cause part or all of the disease process of rheumatoid arthritis. Types of biologic agents include white blood cell modulators such as abatacept and rituximab; tumor necrosis factor inhibitors such as adalimumab and inflixibab; and interleukin inhibitors like tocilizumab. Surgery may be needed to correct severely injured joints, according to the National Institutes of Health. People with rheumatoid arthritis can often benefit from physical therapy.
Side Effects
Like all medications, medications and biological agents used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can have side effects. Long-term corticosteroid use can increase blood sugar, increased likelihood of infections, mood swings, fluid retention and glaucoma. Antimalarial drugs can cause diarrhea, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea and stomach cramps, according to Drugs.com. Celecoxib medications can cause constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, nausea, sore throat and heartburn. Biological agents increase a person's risk for infections; leukemia; and psoriasis, a skin condition that causes redness and irritation as well as thick, red, scaly silver and white patches. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs can often cause acne, chills, fever, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light, increased risk of infection, stomach pain, breast swelling and fatigue.
Complications
Rheumatoid arthritis does not only involve destruction of the joints, though that is a large part of the disease. Aside from Sjogren's syndrome, other possible complications include anemia, damage to lung tissue, inflammation and swelling of the heart, and congestive heart failure.
Prognosis
The course of this disease differs for each person. The National Institutes of Health explains that people with an anti-CCP antibody, often called the rheumatoid factor, often have a more severe form of the disease. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis are still able to work and carry out other activities of daily living. However, approximately 10 percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis are severely disabled after having the disease for a number of years. Early, aggressive treatment often can help delay joint devastation.
