Before we begin: Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes dryness of the.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about sjogren’s syndrome. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is Sjogren’s syndrome? Sjogren’s syndrome, also called Sjogren’s disease, is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disease. When you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs by mistake. In Sjogren’s syndrome, your immune system attacks the glands that make moisture in the eyes, mouth, and other parts of the body. This causes a dry mouth and dry eyes. You may have dryness in other places that need moisture, such as your nose, throat, and skin. Sjogren’s can also affect other parts of the body, including your joints, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, digestive organs, and nerves.
What causes Sjogren’s syndrome? Normally, your immune system protects the body from infection and disease. But with Sjogren’s syndrome and other autoimmune diseases, your immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs. Researchers don’t know for sure what causes the immune system to do this. But they think that it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have linked Sjogren’s syndrome to gene changes in several genes. Some researchers also think that the disease may be triggered by something in the environment. For example, they think that one possible trigger could be a previous infection with a virus or bacteria.
Who is more likely to develop Sjogren’s syndrome? Most people with Sjogren’s syndrome are women. You can get it at any age, but it is most common in people in their 40s and 50s.
Sjogren’s syndrome is more common in people who have other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. This is known as a secondary form of Sjogren’s syndrome. People who don’t have another autoimmune disease have a primary form of Sjogren’s syndrome.
What are the symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome? Sjogren’s syndrome may have different effects on the body. Not everyone will have the same symptoms. Some people have cycles of mild and then severe symptoms.
The two main symptoms are:
Dry eyes. Your eyes may burn or itch or feel like they have sand in them. Sometimes your vision may be blurry, or you could be bothered by bright lights.
Dry mouth. Your tongue and your throat may feel dry. You might have trouble swallowing, speaking, and tasting.
Sjogren’s syndrome can also affect other parts of the body, causing symptoms such as:
Joint and muscle pain
Dry skin
Rashes on the skin of hands or feet
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Vaginal dryness
Dry cough that doesn’t go away
Fatigue that doesn’t go away
How is Sjogren’s syndrome diagnosed? There is no single test for Sjogren’s syndrome. To find out if you have it, your provider:
Will ask about your medical history and symptoms.
Will do a physical exam, which includes checking for signs of dry mouth and signs of related autoimmune diseases.
May order tests, including:
Eye tests to see if you produce a normal amount of tears and to find out if your eyes have been damaged by dryness.
Salivary gland tests to measure how much saliva your mouth produces. They could include imaging tests and a biopsy.
Blood tests.
What are the treatments for Sjogren’s syndrome? There is no cure for Sjogren’s syndrome. Treatment focuses on relieving your symptoms. The treatments can be different for each person, depending on which parts of the body are affected. They may include:
Eye drops (artificial tears) or ointments to relieve dryness in the eyes.
Saliva substitutes.
Prescription medicines that cause your salivary glands to make more saliva.
A minor procedure that places small plugs in the tear duct in the corners of the eyes. The plugs block your tears from draining so they stay in your eyes longer.
Medicines to help with other symptoms caused by Sjogren’s syndrome, such as medicines for pain and inflammation.
Medicines that suppress (weaken) your immune system (for severe cases).
You can also try to relieve some of your symptoms by sucking on sugar-free candy, drinking water often, increasing the humidity in your room, and not smoking. Because having a dry mouth can raise your risk of cavities, it’s important to take good care of your teeth and see your dentist regularly.
Also known as: Sjogren’s Disease.
Related topics: Sjogren’s Disease.
Categories: Bones, Joints and Muscles, Immune System.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Key Takeaways
Understanding sjogren’s syndrome is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.