Newswise — Sjogren syndrome was in the news recently when tennis player, Venus Williams, was forced to withdraw form the US Open tennis tournament due to symptoms from the disease.
Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects glandular tissues – most notably the tear and saliva glands.
It can result in dry eyes and a dry mouth. Microscopically, what’s happening is that your body’s own white blood cells come in and attack the glad tissues, ultimately destroying their ability to provide moisture.
In addition to dry eye and dry mouth, patients can experience muscle and joint aches and pains, as well as debilitating fatigue.
It’s understandable how these symptoms might make it difficult, if not impossible, to play tennis at a high level.
There are many available treatments for Sjogren syndrome, depending on the severity, and the organs affected, with a high rate of success.
Sinai Hospital is part of LifeBridge Health, one of the largest, most comprehensive providers of health services in northwest Baltimore. LifeBridge Health includes Northwest Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, Courtland Gardens Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, and related subsidiaries and affiliates.
By Laura, Green, MD,Krieger Eye Institute at Sinai Hospital of BaltimoreOphthalmology, Board Certified
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