What is Gougerot-Sjögren syndrome?
Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and destruction of the glands that produce tears and saliva, leading to dry eyes and of the mouth.
This syndrome can also affect other parts of the body, including the joints, kidneys, lungs, nervous system and skin.
Typically, the symptoms of the syndrome involve a burning or sandy feeling in the eyes, a dry mouth which can make it difficult to swallow and speak, more or less intense fatigue and pain. muscle and/or joint pain. We speak of the “dryness – fatigue – pain” triad.
These symptoms result from the immune system's response which mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the exocrine glands.
Diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome is most often based on a combination of clinical examinations, blood tests to measure autoimmunity markers, and sometimes a salivary gland biopsy.
CBD, a role to play in the management of Gougerot-Sjögren syndrome?
Remember that cannabidiol, or CBD, is a substance that is extracted from the hemp plant, mainly from the Cannabis L. Sativa and Cannabis Indica strains. Devoid of any psychotropic effect, perfectly legal in France, CBD has anti-inflammatory, analgesic (painkiller) and soothing properties which can improve the quality of life of patients suffering from Gougerot syndrome -Sjogren. Here is common:
- CBD appears to reduce inflammation of the salivary glands and promote saliva secretion to relieve patients who suffer from dry mouth, a common symptom of the syndrome;
- CBD modulates the immune response by interacting with receptors of the endocannabinoid system;
- CBD is an excellent painkiller. It therefore helps improve the mobility of patients who suffer from muscle or joint pain.
In an interview given to the Sjögren Foundation, which brings together a community of patients suffering from this syndrome, Doctor Donald E. Thomas Jr, specialist in internal medicine and rheumatology, explains that CBD oil gives “ good results for the treatment of nerve pain, a typical symptom of Gougerot-Sjögren syndrome”. You can view the full interview here (in English ).
