DIAGNOSIS
Symptoms may differ from person to person, Sjogren’s syndrome can be difficult to diagnose. Some of the symptoms and signs of the condition are also matched by the side effects of a number of drugs.
Blood tests
Blood tests will be suggested by your doctor to be checked by:
- Different types of blood cells have different levels.
- Antibodies are frequent in Sjogren’s syndrome.
- Inflammatory signs and symptoms
- Signs that your kidneys and liver aren’t working properly
Eye tests
Your doctor can use a tear test Schirmer, to determine how dry your eyes are. A doctor who specializes in eye disorder treatment (ophthalmologist) may use a magnifying instrument or slit lamp to examine your eye’s surface.
Imaging
The salivary glands’ function can be checked with certain imaging techniques.
- Sialogram. The dye injected into the salivary glands in your ears can be detected with this specific X-ray. This test determines how much saliva enters your mouth.
- Salivary scintigraphy. This nuclear medicine test includes injecting a radioactive isotope into a vein, which is monitored for an hour to assess how rapidly it spreads throughout your salivary glands.
TREATMENT
Dry eyes and a dry mouth are symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome. Treatment is determined by the sections of the body that have been damaged. To control it, some people require prescription drugs or even surgical procedures.