Diseases
Medications
Related eMedTV
Health Channels

Sjogren's Syndrome and Digestive Problems

 
Inflammation in the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and liver can cause problems such as:
 
  • Painful swallowing
  • Heartburn
  • Abdominal pain and swelling
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss.
     
Inflammation can also cause hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and cirrhosis (hardening of the liver). Sjogren's syndrome is closely linked to a liver disease called primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), which causes itching, fatigue, and, eventually, cirrhosis.
 
Treatment for these digestive problems varies, depending on the problem, but may include:
 
  • Pain medicine
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Steroids
  • Immunosuppressants.
     
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD