Sjogren’s Disease: Recognising Early Signs and Recommended Tests for Women

Louise Mountford, 66, experienced severe and unexplained gut symptoms for over four years, including diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and difficulty swallowing dry food. Despite multiple hospital visits, scans, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy, doctors initially found no cause, attributing her pain to constipation. Over time, she also developed dry eyes, dry mouth, vaginal dryness, jaw pain, and dental problems. After consulting a private gastroenterologist and undergoing blood tests for autoimmune antibodies, Louise was diagnosed with Sjögren’s disease, an autoimmune condition where the body attacks moisture-producing tissues. The disease, which predominantly affects women aged 40-60, can also involve digestive symptoms, respiratory issues, fatigue, and, in severe cases, damage to organs such as kidneys, liver, and lungs. Early diagnosis is critical as it may reduce the risk of complications like lymphoma and improve quality of life. Treatments focus on symptom relief, including preservative-free eye drops, artificial saliva, vaginal pessaries, and medications such as hydroxychloroquine or pilocarpine. New therapies, such as the monoclonal antibody drug ianalumab, show promise in clinical trials. Experts stress greater awareness of Sjögren’s symptoms among patients and healthcare professionals to avoid delayed diagnosis and prolonged suffering.