Condition Lookup

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Sub-Category:

Rheumatologic Disorders

Number of Conditions: 2

Sjögren’s syndrome (causing dry mouth and throat)

Specialty: Conditions with Overlap

Category: Certain systemic or generalized diseases have ENT manifestations

Sub-category: Rheumatologic Disorders

Symptoms:
dry mouth (xerostomia); dry throat (pharyngitis); difficulty swallowing; fatigue; dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca); joint pain

Root Cause:
An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its moisture-producing glands, such as the salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to dryness in the mouth and throat.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is typically confirmed through a combination of blood tests (e.g., antinuclear antibody, anti-SS-A, anti-SS-B), a salivary gland biopsy, and the assessment of symptoms like dry eyes and mouth. Schirmer's test and sialography may also be used.

Treatment:
Treatment includes symptom management, such as using artificial saliva, lubricants for the eyes, and medications to stimulate saliva production (e.g., pilocarpine). Immunosuppressive therapies like corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be used for systemic manifestations.

Medications:
Pilocarpine (Salagen ) - A cholinergic agent used to stimulate saliva production. Cevimeline (Evoxac) - Another cholinergic drug for saliva stimulation. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil ) - An antimalarial drug used for systemic symptoms. Corticosteroids - Used for inflammation control. Methotrexate , Azathioprine - Immunosuppressive drugs for managing severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 0.1-4% of the population worldwide, with a higher prevalence in women, particularly those aged 40-60.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, hormonal factors (more common in women), and other autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition; symptom management is the goal. Patients may experience periods of exacerbation and remission.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of lymphoma, dental decay, difficulty swallowing, and dry eye complications (e.g., corneal ulcers).

Behçet’s disease (causing mouth and throat ulcers)

Specialty: Conditions with Overlap

Category: Certain systemic or generalized diseases have ENT manifestations

Sub-category: Rheumatologic Disorders

Symptoms:
painful mouth ulcers (canker sores); throat ulcers; genital ulcers; skin lesions (erythema nodosum); eye inflammation (uveitis); joint pain and swelling; gi symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain, diarrhea)

Root Cause:
An autoimmune disease causing inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body, leading to recurrent ulcers in the mouth and throat, and other systemic manifestations.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is largely clinical, based on the presence of recurrent oral and genital ulcers, eye inflammation, and other systemic manifestations. The pathergy test (skin reaction to needle prick) may be used for diagnosis.

Treatment:
Management involves controlling inflammation and preventing flare-ups. Treatments include corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), immunosuppressive agents (e.g., azathioprine, methotrexate), and biologic drugs (e.g., TNF inhibitors). Local treatments for ulcers, such as topical steroids, may also be used.

Medications:
Corticosteroids (Prednisone ) - Used to reduce inflammation during flare-ups. Azathioprine - Immunosuppressive drug used for maintenance therapy. Methotrexate - A disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used for severe cases. TNF inhibitors (Infliximab , Adalimumab ) - Biologics used to control systemic inflammation. Colchicine - Can help reduce inflammation in joint and skin lesions.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people in Western countries, but is more common in certain regions, such as Turkey, Japan, and parts of the Middle East.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic factors, particularly certain HLA-B51 haplotypes, and environmental factors like infections or stress.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic, with periods of flare-ups and remissions. Most patients can live a normal lifespan, but the severity of symptoms can affect quality of life.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe complications may include vision loss (due to uveitis), thrombosis, and GI complications. Chronic ulcers and inflammation can lead to significant morbidity.