Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks glands that produce moisture, especially the tear and saliva glands. The main symptoms are dry eyes and a dry mouth, but it can also affect joints, skin, nerves, lungs and other organs.
It can occur on its own or alongside another autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. It is more common in women and is often diagnosed in adulthood.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include dry, gritty or burning eyes, a dry mouth, needing water to swallow dry food, dental decay, mouth infections, swollen salivary glands, tiredness and joint or muscle pain.
Some people also develop dry skin, vaginal dryness, persistent cough, reflux, nerve pain, Raynaud's phenomenon, rashes or swelling of glands at the side of the face.
Symptoms vary. Some people mainly have dryness, while others have more systemic disease.
Causes
Sjögren's syndrome is caused by immune-system activity against moisture-producing glands and sometimes other tissues. The exact trigger is not fully understood. Genes, hormones, infections and other immune conditions may all contribute.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis can take time because symptoms overlap with ageing, medicines, dehydration, menopause, anxiety, diabetes and other conditions.
Tests may include blood tests for autoantibodies and inflammation, tear production tests, eye staining, saliva tests, ultrasound of salivary glands and, in some cases, a minor salivary-gland biopsy.
Treatment
There is no single cure, but treatment can reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Dry eyes may be treated with artificial tears, gels, ointments, eyelid care and eye-clinic review where needed. Dry mouth may be helped by saliva substitutes, sugar-free chewing gum, good dental care and medicines that stimulate saliva in selected patients.
Pain, fatigue and joint symptoms may need medicines, physiotherapy, pacing and management of associated conditions. People with more systemic disease may need specialist rheumatology treatment.
Good dental and eye care matters because dryness increases the risk of tooth decay, oral infection and eye-surface damage.
Complications
Possible complications include dental decay, oral thrush, corneal ulcers, persistent gland swelling, neuropathy, lung disease, kidney involvement and a small increased risk of lymphoma. Ongoing follow-up helps detect problems early.
Living With Sjögren's Syndrome
Practical measures include carrying water, avoiding smoke and very dry environments, using lip balm, attending regular dental checks, treating mouth infections early, and reviewing medicines that worsen dryness.
The condition can be invisible but exhausting. Fatigue and pain can affect work, study and social life even when outward signs are limited.
See Also
References
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