How many people have Sjögren's Syndrome

How many people have Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren's Syndrome takes on average seven years to receive a correct diagnosis, because of this the numbers on how many people have Sjögren's Syndrome are continually growing.  It is estimated that in the United States over 4 million people have Sjögren's Syndrome.  More women than men have Sjögren's Syndrome as 9 out of every 10 people diagnosed with the autoimmune disease are women.  The typical age for diagnosis of Sjögren's Syndrome is 40 however many people have Sjögren's Syndrome symptoms in their 30's.

Many people have Sjögren's Syndrome symptoms early in adulthood but their disease is not diagnosed until later in life.  This is because the symptoms that they are experiencing could also be symptoms of other autoimmune disorders and diseases.  In order to make a diagnosis for Sjögren's Syndrome a doctor first has to rule out other disorders, such as Lupus, which closely resembles Sjögren's Syndrome symptoms. 

The length of time, testing and cost of testing affects how many people have Sjögren's Syndrome diagnosis later in life rather than when their symptoms first present.  By educating themselves and working with a doctor who has experience with the disorder, people who think they have Sjögren's Syndrome can get a diagnosis quicker.

Sjogren's and Air Conditioning

Sjogren's Syndrome can be affected in the summers by air conditioning, causing dry eyes, dry mouth, dry nasal passages and dry skin.  When you are sitting in air conditioning all day or all night, the air can lead to extra dryness.

When you suffer from Sjogren's Syndrome, using an air conditioner at night that faces you can cause extra dryness of the eyes, nose, mouth and skin when you wake up and may cause further complications.  For instance you may wake up with a severe headache because your nasal passages are so dry and difficulty seeing because your eyes are so dry.  If you sleep with your mouth open, you could end up with a dry mouth and dry throat as well.  Sjogren's Syndrome can cause tooth decay from dry mouth on it's own, extra dryness from sleeping with a running air conditioner facing you can cause further tooth decay and sore throats.

What can people with Sjogren's Syndrome do in the summer to avoid further dryness from air conditioners?  Using a humidifier at night can help add moisture into the air and aid in the eyes, nose, mouth and skin from becoming extra dry.  Adjusting the air conditioner so that the air flow flows away from you, especially at night, can really make a difference in the dryness symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome.  Using an eye mask when sleeping with the air conditioner running will help protect the eyes from getting dried out.

As always with Sjogren's Syndrome, it is important to use moisturizing eye drops, a moisturizing mouth wash and saline nasal drops throughout the day in addition to a moisturizing lotion if you suffer from dry skin as well.  Keeping hydrated is also a good way to help lessen the effects of air conditioning on Sjogren's symptoms.