World Sjogren’s Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about World Sjogren’s Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. World Sjogren’s Day is celebrated on July 23rd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of World Sjogren’s Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you ought to know about World Sjogren’s Day.

📅 What day is World Sjogren’s Day 2024?

In 2024, World Sjogren’s Day is on Sunday, July 23rd. It is the 4th Sunday in July; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the exciting details and facts about July 23, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

World Sjögren’s Day is observed annually on July 23rd. It serves as a platform for the Sjögren’s Foundation and various organizations to increase awareness about the condition, educate people about its symptoms, and provide guidance on managing it. Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the eyes and mouth, causing dryness. It also attacks cells responsible for producing saliva and tears, as well as other parts of the body like the thyroid, kidneys, liver, lungs, and nerves. Additional symptoms include joint pain, skin rashes, vaginal dryness, a persistent dry cough, swollen salivary glands, dental problems, excessive thirst, and chronic fatigue.

📜 World Sjogren’s Day History

Henrik Sjögren, born in Koping, Sweden in 1899, obtained his medical degree from the Karolinska Institute in 1927. In 1929, he examined a patient who had complaints of dry eyes, dry mouth, and joint discomfort. Although these symptoms were already recognized, Dr. Sjögren decided to investigate further due to their occurrence together. In 1933, he published his PhD dissertation, which detailed the clinical and pathological characteristics of the disease in 19 female patients, most of whom were postmenopausal and had arthritis. Initially, his thesis faced opposition from the Board of Examiners due to certain clinical elements.

After conducting extensive research and gathering data, Sjögren published a significant study in 1951. This study described 80 individuals with dry eyes, of whom 50 also had arthritis. He named the condition “keratoconjunctivitis sicca,” and it subsequently became known as Sjögren’s syndrome in the medical literature. In 1983, Elaine Harris established the Sjögren Foundation. Inspired by her personal experience with Sjögren’s disease, she was dissatisfied with the lack of knowledge and delayed recognition of her symptoms.

✅ World Sjogren’s Day Facts

🔖 It predominantly affects women
Women are ten times more likely to be affected by Sjögren’s syndrome than men.

🔖 It can affect any age
Although Sjögren’s syndrome is typically found in women in their forties or after menopause, it can impact individuals of any age, including children. However, it is important to note that younger patients with Sjögren’s syndrome often exhibit distinct characteristics compared to adults.

🔖 Famous people
Venus Williams and Shannon Boxx, an Olympic gold medalist, are notable individuals who both suffer from Sjögren’s disease.

👍 Why Is World Sjogren’s Day Important

Many individuals are unaware of Sjögren’s syndrome. Because it’s so difficult to identify, it’s critical that they look for any probable signs.

The Sjögren’s Foundation can assist researchers and students in addition to the usual encouragement from healthcare professionals. Donations to them aid in the funding of research.

This is just another technique to increase public awareness about the disease. Share your story on social media if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome. Please remember to use the hashtag #WorldSjogrensDay.

🙂 How To Observe World Sjogren’s Day

⚡ Read a book about Sjögren’s syndrome

⚡ Donate to the Sjögren’s Foundation
You have two options to make a donation to the Sjögren’s Foundation. The first is to make an online donation through their website. The second option is to reach out to the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation for World Sjögren’s Day by mail or phone. Their contact details are as follows: 6707 Democracy Blvd., Suite 325, Bethesda, Maryland, 20817, (301) 530-4420.

⚡ Share this day on social media
Read a book on this ailment to learn more about it and current treatments. “The Sjögren’s Book” comes highly recommended.

📅 When is World Sjogren’s Day?

View all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Health and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

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