- With Mayo Clinic rheumatologist
April Chang-Miller, M.D.
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April Chang-Miller, M.D.
April Chang-Miller, M.D.
Dr. April Chang-Miller is board certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and is a consultant in the Division of Rheumatology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
Dr. Chang-Miller's primary field is rheumatology with special interests in inflammatory joint diseases called seronegative spondyloarthropathies, such as ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. She also cares for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica.
The New York City native is a graduate of the Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Chang-Miller joined the Mayo Clinic staff in Rochester, Minn., in 1991, and in 2002 she relocated to Mayo Clinic in Arizona. She is a fellow in the American College of Rheumatology and has been on the board of directors of the Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter.
Complications (1)
- Sjogren's syndrome: Can it cause recurrent UTIs?
Lifestyle and home remedies (1)
- Artificial tears: How to select eyedrops for dry eyes
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Question
Sjogren's syndrome: Can it cause recurrent UTIs?
Since being diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome last year, I've had three urinary tract infections. Is there any evidence that Sjogren's syndrome causes recurrent UTIs?
Answer
from April Chang-Miller, M.D.
No, but Sjogren's syndrome can cause symptoms that you might mistake for a urinary tract infection (UTI). Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the moisture-secreting glands of the eyes and mouth become inflamed, producing fewer tears and less saliva.
For women, Sjogren's syndrome can also cause vaginal dryness — which may result in discomfort during sexual intercourse and an increase in the risk of bacterial and fungal vaginal infections. Painful urination, a common symptom of UTIs, also can occur with vaginal infections.
Some women who have Sjogren's syndrome develop a condition called painful bladder syndrome, also known as interstitial cystitis. This condition causes symptoms similar to those of a urinary tract infection — urinary frequency, urgency and pain — without evidence of infection.
Next questionArtificial tears: How to select eyedrops for dry eyes
- Naguwa S, et al. Sjogren's syndrome. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/206754856-8/1016326076/1492/1035.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50294-9--cesec8_13058. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Carsons S. Sjogren's syndrome. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders Co.; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/206754856-10/0/1807/500.html?tocnode=55733030&fromURL=500.html. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Fox R, et al. Clinical manifestations of Sjogren's syndrome: Exocrine gland disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Fox R, et al. Clinical manifestations of Sjogren's syndrome: Extraglandular disease and prognosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 22, 2010.
- Fitzgerald MP. Clinical features and diagnosis of painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 22, 2010.
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