What is Sjogren’s Disease?

About Sjogren’s Disease:

• Sjogren's disease (also called Sjögren’s syndrome) is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture-producing glands.
• It typically attacks the glands that produce tears, saliva, and sweat. Other parts of the body may also be affected.
• Cause:
  • The exact cause of Sjogren's syndrome is unknown, though there seems to be a genetic influence.
  • It is thought that factors such as viral infections, stress, and hormone changes can trigger symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome.
  • Sjogren syndrome can happen at any age. But most people are older than 40 at the time of diagnosis.
  • Ninety percent (90%) of adults diagnosed with Sjogren’s are women.
  • Sjogren’s can occur alone or in association with other autoimmune diseases, most commonly lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Symptoms: People with Sjogren's syndrome can have:
  • dry eyes, which may also feel painful, burning, itchy, or gritty
  • a dry mouth, making it difficult to swallow, speak, or eat dry foods
  • swelling of the glands in the face and neck areas
• Some people with Sjögren's syndrome also notice:
  • joint pain, swelling and stiffness
  • dry skin or skin rash
  • vaginal dryness
  • persistent dry cough
  • ongoing fatigue
• Sometimes the liver and kidneys are affected. A few people will also develop lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes).
• Treatment:
  • There is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome.
  • Treatment for Sjogren’s disease attempts to relieve the effects of chronic dryness of the mouth and eyes by increasing the lubrication and moisturization of the affected tissues.