Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition that impacts the entire body. Typical symptoms include dry mouth and eyes, dental decay, vaginal dryness, fatigue and joint pain. Sjogren's syndrome might also cause difficulty chewing and swallowing, gastrointestinal symptoms and peripheral neuropathy. Sjogren's syndrome is often accompanied by other autoimmune disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis and gluten intolerance or celiac disease. If you have Sjogren's, consult your doctor regarding testing and treatment for other autoimmune conditions, such as celiac disease.
Risk and Association
Autoimmune disorders, like Sjogren's, involve both a genetic component and a triggering mechanism, like an infection. If you have an autoimmune condition, your immune system mistakenly attacks your cells and tissues. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, celiac disease and Sjogren's might may be related genetically. Rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid conditions are also more likely in individuals with celiac disease or Sjogren's syndrome.
Celiac Disease
Like Sjogren's syndrome, celiac disease is an autoimmune condition. If you have celiac disease, your body reacts to gluten, the protein in wheat, rye and barley. When you consume gluten, your immune system attacks the villi, the finger-like protrusions lining the small intestine. Over time, celiac disease leads to a variety of symptoms, many related to vitamin malabsorption.
Cause and Effect
While you might have both Sjogren's syndrome and celiac disease, your gluten intolerance did not cause Sjogren's syndrome. Autoimmune disorders are closely related, and between 4.5 percent and 15 percent of people with Sjogren's also test positive for celiac disease, reports the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. Ten times as many people with celiac disease have Sjogren's syndrome, as opposed to those without celiac disease.
Testing
If you have Sjogren's syndrome, speak to your physician about testing for celiac disease. Testing requires blood work and biopsies of the small intestine and should be performed before you stop consuming gluten-containing foods. If you test positive for celiac disease, your doctor might recommend a visit to a registered dietitian. He can plan a diet that is free of gluten and easy for you to chew and swallow, especially if dry mouth or difficulty swallowing caused by Sjogren's syndrome makes eating especially challenging.
References
- National Foundation for Celiac Awareness: Sjogren's Disease
- Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation: Symptoms
- Mayo Clinic: Sjogren's Syndrome Risk Factors
- "The American Journal of Gastroenterology"; Celiac Disease and Markers of Celiac Disease Latency in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome; S. Iltanen, et al.; April 1999
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Celiac Disease
