Each year on July 23rd, we bring attention to Sjögren’s syndrome – a serious autoimmune disease – through World Sjögren’s Day. Sjögren’s syndrome may be widely misdiagnosed and misunderstood but it’s recognized for primarily impacting glands that produce moisture in the body, which can lead to significant complications. On this day, we take a moment to appreciate the resilience of those living with this disease and educate others about it.
World Sjögren’s Day fosters collaboration between patients, medical professionals, and researchers in the pursuit of increasing awareness, enhancing understanding, improving treatments, and finding the ultimate goal – a cure.
History of World Sjogren's Day
World Sjogren’s Day is celebrated each year on July 23 to enhance awareness about Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune ailment that impacts around 4 million individuals in the United States, predominantly women, as documented by the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation. This condition was first recognized in the early 20th century, and the development of awareness programs since then has been crucial in raising understanding about it.
The name of the day is linked to Henrik Sjogren, a Swedish eye specialist, who in the 1930s noticed symptoms like dry eyes and mouth, and arthritis in his patients. After intensive study, he published his findings in 1933, which identified Sjogren’s Syndrome as a systemic disease.
The Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation, established in 1983, has played an instrumental role in spreading information about this illness. Their tireless efforts led to the categorization of Sjogren’s Syndrome as a ‘serious disease’ by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) in 2014.
The inaugural celebration of World Sjogren’s Day was on July 23, 2010, which marked the 113th birth anniversary of Dr. Henrik Sjogren. From then on, the 23rd of July is recognized each year as World Sjogren’s Day with the aim of building public awareness, fostering research and building connections among patient groups.
This day is filled with various activities that include educational forums, meetings where patients take on advocacy roles, and campaigns on social media, among others. The objective is not only to widen awareness but also to cultivate a sense of community where patients can face this disease without feeling isolated.
World Sjogren's Day Timeline
Discovery of Sjogren's Syndrome
Dr. Henrik Sjogren, a Swedish ophthalmologist, first described the condition. He named it after himself, calling it Sjogren's syndrome.
First Description of Primary and Secondary Sjogren's Syndrome
The distinction between primary and secondary Sjogren's syndrome was first understood.
Sjogren's Syndrome becomes Widely Recognized
The understanding of this disease evolved and by this year it had become a widely recognized clinical entity.
First Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group Founded
The Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation (SSF) was founded in the USA.
World Sjogren's Day Established
World Sjogren's Day was established and is observed annually on July 23rd, which is the birthday of Dr. Henrik Sjogren.
Expanded Research
More research efforts towards the understanding and treatment of Sjogren's Syndrome are continuing, including the development of new biomarkers and potential therapies.
Ideas to Celebrate World Sjogren's Day
Public Awareness Campaign
Organize a public awareness campaign, involving leaflet distribution, posters, billboards, and use of digital media to inform people about Sjogren's syndrome. Make sure to include symptoms, importance of early diagnosis, and available treatments.
Virtual Lecture Series
Arrange a series of online webinars, talks and seminars by medical professionals, scholars and people living with Sjogren's syndrome. This will help spreading important information about the disease, providing practical advice and shared experiences.
Community Support Gathering
Organize a community support meeting with fellow patients, family members, and healthcare providers to share experiences and advice. This can serve as a safe place for people to express their feelings, fears, and hopes while dealing with the syndrome.
Fundraiser Event
Organize a friendly fundraising event, such as a bake sale, car wash, or online auction. The proceeds can be donated to a charity or organization that supports Sjogren's syndrome research.
Educational Workshops
Prepare interactive workshops on Sjogren's syndrome and invite schools, colleges, and community organizations to attend. This will help increase knowledge about the condition and its effects.
7 Interesting Facts About Sjogren's
Depicted in Literature
The popular book 'The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating' was based on the author's personal experience with Sjogren's Syndrome. The book captures the journey of the author while dealing with the consequences of the condition.
High Prevalence
Sjogren's Syndrome is the second most common rheumatic autoimmune disorder, following rheumatoid arthritis. It affects around 3 million Americans.
Mostly Affects Women
Sjogren's Syndrome predominantly affects women, with 9 out of 10 patients being female.
Not Just Dryness
Though Sjogren's Syndrome is commonly associated with dry eyes and mouth, it can affect other parts of the body including the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system.
Associated with Other Autoimmune Conditions
About half of the people with Sjogren's Syndrome also have another autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Artificial Tears
One common treatment for the dry eyes caused by Sjogren's Syndrome is the usage of artificial tears.
No Known Cure
There is no known cure for Sjogren's Syndrome yet, but there are many treatments that can help manage the symptoms.
World Sjogren's Day FAQs
Next World Sjogren's Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 23rd | Sunday |
| 2024 | July 23rd | Tuesday |
| 2025 | July 23rd | Wednesday |
| 2026 | July 23rd | Thursday |
| 2027 | July 23rd | Friday |
| What is the pattern? | Every July 23rd | |
World Sjogren's Day Word Search
- Sjogren
- Syndrome
- Awareness
- Awareness
- Dryness
- Fatigue