A Link Between Autoimmune Diseases

Monday, March 1, 2004

(NAPSA)—Sjgren’s (pronounced SHOW-grins) syndrome, a disease that affects one to four eyes, patients may also experience skin, nose and feminine dryness. In addition to symptomsof dryness, joint pain and fatigue may be present. As many as 50 percent of the people suffering from Sjgren’s syndromealso have other autoimmunediseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly known as lupus. Similar to Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that is also more prevalent in women than men. Conservative estimates show that more than 100,000 Americansare living with lupus. Lupus can affect almost every organ system in the body, especially the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood and kidneys. The symptoms of the disease can range from—fatigue, joint discomfort, hair loss, photosensitivity and fever—to more serious problems, such as kidney inflammation, cardiac failure and seizures. Lupuspatients typically have skin = a hk are women, has been linked to other autoimmune diseases. An autoimmunedisease is a condition in which the body’s immunesystem mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues. Sjgren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the moistureproducing glands of the body, causing symptomsof dryness. SymptomsOf Sjgren’s The onset of disease usually occurs between 40 and 50 years of age. While the classic symptoms are dryness of the mouth and iil million Americans, most of whom TAdaI A Link Between Autoimmune Diseases— Sjogren’s Syndrome And Lupus As many as 50 percent of the people suffering from Sjgren’s syndrome also have autoimmunediseases. other rashes. A butterfly rash that appears over the bridge of the nose and on the cheeks is common. While several types of lupus exist, systemic lupus erythematosus is the one most commonly diagnosed in patients who already have Sjgren’s syndrome. Relief Of Symptoms By themselves or together, chronic autoimmune diseases such as Sjgren’s syndrome and lupus can seriously affect your overall health. So if you experience such symptoms as achy joints, prolonged fatigue, fever, weight loss or skin rashes in addition to dry mouth or dry eyes, be sure to see your doctor for a comprehensive medical evaluation. While there is currently no cure for Sjgren’s syndrome, you can find relief of your dryness symptoms. If you think you may be among the many individuals suffering from this disease, be sure to talk to your doctor. wee eee eee eee eee eee eeeOU eee e eee eee eee Note to Editors: This article was funded and reviewed by Daiichi Pharmaceutical Corporation.

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