April is Sjogren’s Awareness

The Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation has named April as “Sjogren’s Awareness Month”.

Many people aren’t aware of what Sjogren’s (pronounced “SHOW-grins”) syndrome is. Named after the Swedish physician, Dr. Henrik Sjogren, this chronic autoimmune disease causes white blood cells to attack and damage the moisture-producing glands in a person’s body. This damage can cause life-altering symptoms such as dry eye, dry mouth, joint pain, fatigue, and life-threatening complications such as improper functioning of the internal organs and a higher chance of developing non-hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Affecting as many as 4 million Americans, Sjogren’s is the second-most common autoimmune rheumatic disease and 3 times more common than Lupus and Multiple Sclerosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing further complications. There are over 3 million Americans yet to be diagnosed and that is why the Bonner Eye Clinic supports the efforts of this foundation in helping bring awareness during the month of April.

For more information, visit www.Sjogrens.org.