Venus Williams, The Battles Between Sjögren's Syndrome
Tennis Ace Venus Williams withdrew from the U.S. Open yesterday because of fighting his toughest opponent yet, the energy-zap autoimmunue the disease has been so weak he could hardly raise their hands. "I like playing the first match here, and I hope that I could continue, but now I can not," Williams said in a statement, the Associated Press. "I am grateful I finally diagnosed and now I'm concentrating on getting better and come back soon in court."
The seven-time Grand Slam champion was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome. Up to four million Americans living with this chronic disease that can cause extreme fatigue, joint pain and increased risk of developing lymphoma, a form of cancer or other serious complications. Like many people with Sjogren's, Williams suffered from symptoms for years without knowing what was wrong, but we hope that the treatment she receives now come into effect within three to six months. Here is a look of Sjogren's syndrome and what it might mean for the Ace Tennis 31.
What is Sjogren's syndrome? Sjogren's syndrome (pronounced show-smile) is one of the most common diseases autoimmune disorders. It is a chronic condition where the cells of an individual white blood cells attack the body of the moisture-producing glands. The syndrome often strikes with other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (a disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the organs and a butterfly rash on the nose).
What are the symptoms? The two classic features of Sjögren's syndrome are dry eyes that itch or sandy, as if sand in them, and a spongy dry mouth makes it hard to swallow. Other symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, swelling of the salivary glands (especially behind the jaw in front of the ears), dry nose and nosebleeds, heartburn, brain fog (lack of concentration or memory), tooth decay, liver function, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, extreme fatigue, rash, vaginal dryness, persistent disease bronchitis, pneumonia or lung, reports the Canadian Foundation syndrome Sjogren.
How bad is Sjogren's syndrome? The disease can be mild or severe, but usually is not fatal. Patients should be monitored possible complications such as organ involvement, associated with autoimmune diseases, dental problems (which are more common in people with Sjogren's syndrome is due to the dryness of the mouth), and vision problems (because of dry eye ). Less common but disturbing complications of lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes), which is much more likely in people with Syndrome), problems with lung disease, liver or kidney, and nerves, such as peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling or burning sensations in the hands or feet). A lot of people to live normal, active lives.
Who is more likely to develop Sjogren's syndrome? 9 out of 10 people suffering from this chronic autoimmune disease are women. The syndrome is most common after age 40 but can affect people of all ages, including children.
Who is more likely to develop Sjogren's syndrome? 9 out of 10 people suffering from this chronic autoimmune disease are women. The syndrome is most common after age 40 but can affect people of all ages, including children.
Is there a cure? Unfortunately there is no cure, but a wide range of treatments can help relieve symptoms, including eye drops over the counter or prescription medication for dry mouth, including Evoxac (cevimeline) Salagen (pilocarpine hydrochloride) and Numoisyn of dry mouth and Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) and Lacrisert (insert hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic) for dry eyes. For people who develop complications in organs, immunosuppressive drugs prescribed.
How is the disease diagnosed? Sjogren's syndrome is often misdiagnosed or overlooked because it can mimic other conditions. Many patients like Williams, have symptoms for several years before obtaining a diagnosis. There is no test for the syndrome, but an international panel of experts has developed diagnostic criteria that include the assessment of drought symptoms, such as control of the eye level of tear production, and how much saliva in the mouth product. There are also several blood tests that doctors can use, including control of Anas (antinuclear antibody). About 70 percent of people with the disease have a positive ANA test. To learn more about testing here.
What causes Sjögren's syndrome? The reason for this autoimmune disease is not yet known, but certain genes increase the risk. Individuals who are genetically predisposed, some type of triggering event could trigger a disease, such as bacterial or viral infection. In other words, while the genes seem to load the gun, environment pulls the trigger. However, researchers have not yet discovered what are the triggers.
What causes Sjögren's syndrome? The reason for this autoimmune disease is not yet known, but certain genes increase the risk. Individuals who are genetically predisposed, some type of triggering event could trigger a disease, such as bacterial or viral infection. In other words, while the genes seem to load the gun, environment pulls the trigger. However, researchers have not yet discovered what are the triggers.
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