Sjogren's Syndrome Auto Immune Disorder

Professional tennis player Vanessa Williams announced today that she was pulling out of the U.S. Open tennis match due to complications of Sjogern's Syndrome. (Pronounced "Show-grins") Until now, many people have never heard of this crippling auto immune disease. Like most autoimmune diseases, Sjogern's Syndrome can be difficult to diagnose until other diseases are ruled out.

Many patients endure years of being misdiagnosed before finally being diagnosed correctly with Sjogern's Syndrome.

According to Sjoren's Syndrome.org, this autoimmune disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed autoimmune disorders and strikes mostly women. Their numbers show upwards of 4,000,000. people being diagnosed with this disease. Out of that number, 9 out 10 patients are women.

Mild forms of Sjogern's Syndrome result in the person having a chronic dry mouth and eyes. More severe cases can lead to joint pain, digestive upsets, liver problems and other physical issues through out the entire body.

Sjogren's Syndrome is also commonly seen with other autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or scleroderma. People that have Sjogren's Syndrome are at higher risk of other diseases such as lymphoma.

Like most autoimmune diseases, symptoms and flares can be mild, severe or go into complete remission. Being diagnosed early is the key to preventing damage to the joints or internal organs.