Newcastle is fortunate to welcome the Annual General Meeting
of the British Sjögren’s Syndrome Association (BSSA) to the world renowned International
Centre for Life on 15th September, where many eminent members of the
medical profession will give their time to address those attending the
conference. The conference is aimed at
both patients, their supporters and allied health care professionals.
Sjögren’s Syndrome is the second most common autoimmune rheumatic
disease where the body’s immune system attacks parts of the body instead of
fighting infection. In Sjögren’s
Syndrome the glands that produce saliva, tears and other secretions become
inflamed and as a result can stop working with key symptoms including dry eye
and dry mouth. Chronic fatigue can also
be a major factor. Sjögren’s Syndrome
can strike at any age, but most commonly affects women between the ages of 40
and 60 and 90% of cases are female. Despite being discovered in the early 20th
century by the ophthalmologist Henrik Sjogren, the causes remain unknown with
limited treatments available.
The BSSA is a charity dedicated to providing support and
information to individuals affected by this disease, as well playing a key role
in raising awareness. Support groups
operate throughout the UK
helping sufferers to cope with the day-to-day challenges of this distressing
condition. In addition, Dr Wan-Fai Ng, Newcastle University
Our local support group the ‘North East Sjögren Support
Association’ (NESSA), has over 40 members, and regularly meet at the Freeman
Hospital to learn more about this condition as well as to socialise and to
support each other. If you wish to know more about NESSA please contact Madge
at madge_stokes@hotmail.co.uk .
If you would like further information about the BSSA conference
you can email office@bssa.uk.net or telephone Isabel on 0121 4780222.
