What is Sjogren Syndrome

Sjogren syndrome is a disease in which the body’s disease-fighting system (immune system) attacks the glands that produce tears (lacrimal glands) and the glands that produce saliva (salivary glands). This makes the eyes and mouth very dry.

Sjogren syndrome is a long-term (chronic) disorder that has no cure. In some cases, it is linked to other disorders (rheumatic disorders), such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It may affect other parts of the body, such as:

• Kidneys.
• Blood vessels.
• Joints.
• Lungs.
• Liver.
• Pancreas.
• Brain.
• Nerves.
• Spinal cord.

What are the causes?

The cause of this condition is not known. It may be passed along from parent to child (inherited), or it may be a symptom of a rheumatic disorder.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in:

• Women.
• People who are 45–50 years old.
• People who have recently had a viral infection or currently have a viral infection.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The main symptoms of this condition are:

• Dry mouth. This may include:
  • A chalky feeling.
  • Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or tasting.
  • Frequent cavities in teeth.
  • Frequent mouth infections.
• Dry eyes. This may include:
  • Burning, redness, and itching.
  • Blurry vision.
  • Light sensitivity.

Other symptoms may include:

• Dryness of the skin and the inside of the nose.
• Eyelid infections.
• Vaginal dryness, if this applies.
• Joint pain and stiffness.
• Muscle pain and stiffness.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms.
• Your medical history.
• A physical exam of your eyes and mouth.

You may have tests, including:

• Schirmer test. This tests your tear production.
• An eye exam that is done with a magnifying device (slit-lamp exam).
• An eye test that temporarily stains your eye with dye. This shows the extent of eye damage.
• Tests to check your salivary gland function.
• Biopsy. This is a removal of part of a salivary gland from inside your lower lip to be studied under a microscope.
• Chest X-rays.
• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.

How is this treated?

There is no cure for this condition, but treatment can help you manage your symptoms. Treatment options may include:

• Moisture replacement therapies to help relieve dryness in your skin, mouth, and eyes.
• NSAIDs to help relieve pain and stiffness.
• Medicines to help relieve inflammation in your body (corticosteroids). These are usually for severe cases.
• Medicines to help reduce the activity of your immune system (immunosuppressants).
• Surgery or insertion of plugs to close the lacrimal glands (punctal occlusion). This helps keep more natural tears in your eyes.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Take these actions to care for your eyes:
  • Use eye drops as told by your health care provider.
  • Blink at least 5–6 times a minute.
  • Protect your eyes from drafts and breezes.
  • Maintain properly humidified air. You may want to use a humidifier at home.
  • Avoid smoke.
• Take these actions to care for your mouth:
  • Brush your teeth and floss after every meal.
  • Chew sugar-free gum or suck on hard candy. For some people, this can help to relieve dry mouth.
  • Use antimicrobial mouthwash daily.
  • Take frequent sips of water or sugar-free drinks.
  • Use saliva substitutes or lip balm as told by your health care provider.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Schedule and attend dentist visits every six months.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have a fever.
• You have night sweats.
• You are always tired.
• You have unexplained weight loss.
• You develop itchy skin.
• You have red patches on your skin.
• You have a lump or swelling on your neck.