One to four million Americans live with Sjogren's and 9 out of 10 of those are female. Pinpointing why this disease affects women so much more than men is still not known. While it is believed that Sjogren's can develop in the body as early as age 20, most that suffer with this disease don't see noticeable symptoms or the onset of flares until age 40 or later.
So what is Sjogren's and how on earth do you pronounce it?? The correct pronunciation is SHOW-GRINS. The name comes from the last name of the doctor whose research led to it's discoverey--Dr. Henrik Sjogren. Sjogren's disease is a systemic and chronic autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks it's own cells and tissues. This can result in a variety of manifestations including major organ involvement--such as kidneys and in my case lungs.
The narrative that Sjogren's is dry eyes and dry mouth is inaccurate. Those are indeed symptoms and markers that indicate you may have the disease, as Sjogrens disrupts the exocrine glands BUT be clear--Sjogren's is a debilitating and very dangerous disease.
Throughout the month, there are numerous workshops, seminars and activities to raise awareness of this painful disease. Any and every opportunity to raise awareness and educate people about Sjogrens is great but please remember--this disease doesn't take days off or go on vacation.Sjogren's shows up differently in every body it inhabits. By nature, Sjogren's is tempermental and highly unpredictable. If you have a loved one, colleague or friend living with Sjogren's disease--please show them some grace and compassion, and know everyday is a struggle and they are doing the very best they can. ~Red
#Sjogren's #awareness #education
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