In autoimmune diseases like Sjögren syndrome, the serous (watery) part of the salivary glands are destroyed first, resulting in thick, viscous and mucous saliva, and patients may feel that there is excessive saliva in the mouth.
Cystic fibrosis, a disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs.
Sjögren's Syndrome Sequelae: Nasal Synechiae and Nasopharyngeal Stenosis. Multi-organ system diseases, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis and sarcoidosis, may manifest in the nasal cavity with crusting, congestion, rhinorrhea, epistaxis, olfactory impairment, and mucosal inflammation.
Upper Respiratory System. If your nasal passages are dry, as they can be with Sjögren's, you may feel you're constantly battling sinusitis and post-nasal drip.
Symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome with ILD may include:
Feeling very tired when going about your normal day. Shortness of breath, especially with mild physical activity. Dry cough that doesn't go away.
Tracheobronchial disease is common in Sjögren's syndrome, characterised by diffuse lymphocytic infiltration of the airway. It is sometimes responsible for a crippling chronic cough. It can also present in the form of bronchial hyperresponsiveness, bronchiectasis, bronchiolitis or recurrent respiratory infections.
Patients with Sjogren's disease have destruction of the mucus secreting cells in the bronchi. This manifestation of the disease leads to the common complaint of persistent dry cough that is seen in many of these patients.
Nose and throat symptoms are common in SS, but the complications of mucosal dryness on examination are unusual (approximately 20%). Primary SS can cause serious parotid morbidity secondary to inflammation and infection.
Primary Sjögren syndrome occurs in the absence of another underlying rheumatic disorder, whereas secondary Sjögren syndrome is associated with another underlying rheumatic disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or scleroderma.
More Sjogren's Syndrome Symptoms
You may experience dryness in your nose or throat or on your skin.
Patients with Sjögren's frequently suffer from decreased mucus/nasal secretions and dryness of the nose and sinuses.
But those with primary Sjögren syndrome had a higher prevalence of hearing loss than those with RA. Specifically, RA hearing loss was present in 36.8 percent of patients with frequencies between 500–3,000 Hz, while in this range the hearing loss affected 60 percent of the Sjögren syndrome patients.
Several factors can contribute to excess mucus: Allergies: Allergens like pollen, pollution, or dander may be irritating. The body attempts to clear these substances by creating more mucus to cough up. Asthma: Asthma is associated with swelling and inflammation of the airways.
What causes excessive mucus? Smoking or exposure to an irritant in the air may cause you to produce more mucus than usual. If the mucus is clear, you might have allergies. Other conditions that could cause excess mucus include bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis.
Apart from being sick with a virus or infection, allergens are a very common cause of excess mucus. The immune system overreacts to substances like dust or pet dander, causing your body to release histamines, which can make you sneeze.
Prevalence of inflammatory back pain and radiologic sacroiliitis is increased in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.
Lifestyle Tips for Sjogren's Syndrome
People with Sjögren's syndrome may be more susceptible to drug allergies and care is needed to monitor their condition if medication is required. Drugs such as antihistamines and antidepressants can cause mucosal dryness and should only be taken in consultation with your doctor.
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects the quality of life of many people worldwide and can cause comorbidities. Our previous research proved that Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a predisposing factor for CRS, with a 2.5-fold associated risk.
In Sjogren's syndrome, the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting in decreased tears and saliva.
Signs and symptoms of granulomatosis with polyangiitis might include: Pus-like drainage with crusts from your nose, stuffiness, sinus infections and nosebleeds. Coughing, sometimes with bloody phlegm.
tests (PFTs) may be considered to evaluate for the presence of underlying pulmonary manifestations. PFTs should include pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Abnormalities identified may require further corroboration with advanced testing.
A hoarse voice. Itchy eyes. Wanting to crawl back into bed in the morning because you're still tired. These symptoms might sound like allergies or a cold, but in some people, they could indicate that you have a chronic autoimmune disease: Sjögren's syndrome.