What is Sjorgens? Can it be diagnosed without a biopsy?

I was just diagnosed with this from two different doctors on is an ear, nose and throat the other is my primary care/rheumatologist...I'm already taking a medication called evoxac not sure if i spelled that right, also I have been noticing these little red bumps on my fingers right below the finger nail and on the middle nuckle i have them on both the right and left hand I have always had hand pain, not sure what this means either....

anyway thanks for any answers....

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the glands that produces tears and saliva, resulting in decreased secretions from these glands.

Normally the diagnosis is made clinically, however a variety of blood tests should be done to exclude other causes.  This can include a complete blood count; serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, aminotransferase enzymes, rheumatoid factor, ANA, anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, and protein electrophoresis.

These tests should be discussed with your rheumatologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[calicotv]

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[SoStumped]

I have dry eyes/ dry mouth and I think i have sjorgens too.  I suggest drinking plenty of water. I notice that if i drink about 8 glasses a day, the dryness isnt so bad.  Do you get puss/crust in your eyes from sjorgens and a white bumps on your tongue?  Beacuse I notice that my tongue does when theres lack of salvia (when its so dry). I am not sure if this helps you and you can relate it to your symptoms but we can share home remedies?

[Bonita4688]

A related discussion, Thyroid was started.