conduct a series of tests and ask about symptoms the patient is experiencing.
Rheumatologists are mostly responsible for identifying, diagnosing, and managing Sjögren’s and typically conduct a series of tests based on what patients have shared about symptoms. Additionally, eye or oral specialists might run tests if Sjögren’s is suspected.
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Physicians will use a number of tests and questions to determine a Sjögren’s diagnosis. These tests may include some of the following:
- Blood Tests
- SS-A (or Ro) and SS-B (or La): Marker antibodies for Sjögren’s. 70% of Sjögren’s patients are positive for SS-A and 40% are positive for SS-B. Also found in lupus patients.
- Eye Tests
- Schirmer test: Measures tear production.
- Rose Bengal and Lissamine Green: Uses dyes to examine the surface of the eyes for dry spots.
- Dental Tests
- Salivary Flow: Measures the amount of saliva produced over a certain period of time.
- Salivary Gland Biopsy (usually in the lower lip): Confirms lymphocytic infiltration of the minor salivary glands.
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What treatments are available?
Fortunately, the illness can be managed.
In some situations, lifestyle changes can help certain symptoms such as fatigue and gastro-intestinal reflux, and over-the-counter products can help manage symptoms such as dryness.
Sjögren’s patients are often advised on a combination of management strategies, over-the-counter products and prescription drugs. Most patients will need prescription medications at some point in their disease course to help control their disease and reduce the potential for complications.
A number of different medications are available that can be used to manage symptoms. Currently, no single medication has been conclusively proven to slow the progression of Sjögren’s or treat all aspects of the disease.
