At our last meeting in September, we heard
antacids like TUMS, Maalox, Peptone can be
Liver Up to 6% of SS patients may have some
a CD presentation by Dr. Matthew Nichols, of
effective for a short time. When one has recurrent
Denver, CO, on Gastrointestinal Manifestations
primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), autoimmune
of Sjogren’s Syndrome. Dr. Nichols gave this
blockers such as zantac or pepcid, or proton pump
hepatitis, rarely idiopathic portal hypertension,
talk at the SSF National Patient Conference in
inhibitors such as nexium, prevacid, prilosec, etc.
viral hepatitis (Hepatitis C). Blood tests pick
April 2012. We had a large poster of the
Long term use of acid blocking medicines are
gastrointestinal system, generously donated by
generally safe, but long-term high-dose use may
Dr. Noar’s office, so we could follow pictorially
increase risk of intestinal infections and may
Autoimmune pancreatitis is characterized by
reduce absorption of some nutrients, such as
diffuse or localized swelling in the pancreas or
His talk is about the GI tract. The path we are
calcium and Vitamin D supplementation, causing
scarring of the pancreatic duct. Associated
going to follow is the same pathway that your
with elevated levels of IgG-4 This is rare.
breakfast followed this morning, starting with
the esophagus through the stomach, into the
epigastic pain, and dyspepsia. Breakdown of the
small intestine, the liver and pancreas, then
protective stomach barriers, ulcer disease gastritis
common, with women twice as likely to be
moving down into the colon and lower GI tract.
due to medications or H.pylori bacteria, etc. Use
diagnosed as men. Symptoms include change
Esophagus Starting in the mouth, laryngo-
of NSAIDs and steroids predisposes the patient to
in bowel habits, episodic abdominal pain or
pharyngeal reflux is a condition caused by
discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, alternating
gastric acids and digestive enzymes flowing into
Atrophic Gastritis is a concern in SS. It is an
diarrhea and constipation. Possible causes
the upper esophagus. Symptoms are hoarseness,
autoimmune process that destroys the acid
could be abnormal contractions of the GI tract
sensation of something caught in the throat, mild
producing cells of the stomach parietal cell. Up to
(spastic bowel), food intolerence, bacterial
difficulty in swallowing, chronic cough. These
20% of SS patients can have this problem, causing
imbalance, spasms. Anxiety and stress, can
symptoms can be increased in Sjogren’s due to
indigestion (dyspepsia) and upper abdominal pain.
decrease in salivary flow. The flow of saliva
It can lead to impaired Vitamin B12 absorption,
multi-prong approach with increase dietary
plays a key role in washing away the acid.
fiber, insoluble and soluble fibers. Gradually
Difficulty swallowing, dysphasia, is a common
increase fiber intake until regularity in the GI
complaint in SS, and could mean problems with
tract is obtained. Supplemental fibers can be
the esophagus. The mucous producing glands of
bacterial infection in humans. It interferes with
helpful. Medications available. Important to
the esophagus can be affected and lead to a “dry”
the normal protective barriers in the stomach.
esophagus, causing difficulty in swallowing. It
Treatment is with antibiotics, but can be difficult
Colorectal Cancer Screening
is important to drink plenty of liquids with food
Very important. Everyone age
and while taking medication to prevent sticking
Gastroparesis, motility in GI tract is impaired
50+ should get regular
or delayed stomach empyting. Treatment includes
screening. - Dr.Matthew Nichols
Management of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
(GERD) can be obtained withhout medication
Small intestine. Moving out of the stomach into
Please join us on November 17th to
taking into consideration lifestyle changes for
the small intestine, Dr. Nichols spoke about Celiac
welcome Linda Gherman, a dentist from the
obesity, hiatal hernia, cigarette smoking, Also
disease. Celiac disease causes blunting of the
Bel Air area., who will speak on up-to-date dry
avoid large or late meals, decrease use of
intestinal lining, leading to malabsorption of
caffeine, chocolate, carbonated beverages and
dietary nutrients. Other symptoms include
diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal discomfort,
fatigue, gas/bloating, osteoporosis, etc. It is an
secretion, but rather excessive acid exposure in
allergic sensitiviy to gluten, found in wheat, rye,
the esophagus. Saliva plays an important part in
barley and a multitude of prepared foods.
neurtralizing the acid. If lifestyle changes do not
Sjogren’s patients can be 10 times more affected.
work, over the counter medications, such as
Diagnosis is made based on blood tests or small
intestine biopsy. Treatment is a gluten-free diet. May 18, 2013 September 21, 2013 November 16, 2013 Our support group meets four times a year. Patients & families always welcome.
GOD BLESS AMERICA! SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! Harford SS Support Group Email: Telephone: 410-836-1040 For Copies of CD presentations: The Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 325 Bethesda, MD 20817 Info: 800-475-6473 Directions to Bel Air UM Church: From I-95 take Exit #77A towards Bel Air Continue on Rt. 24 for approx. 5 miles Right turn on Ring Factory Road to light Left turn on Rt 924 Turn right at Linwood Avenue Church is on the right Take second right into Church parking lot MEETING CALENDAR Park on other side of McComas Hall Proceed to Armstrong Center - Room 103 November 17, 2012 Linda Gherman, DDS March 16, 2013
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