Sjögren’s Syndrome

What is it?

Points To Remember About Sjögren’s Syndrome

• Sjögren’s syndrome is a disease that affects the glands that make moisture. It most often causes dryness in the mouth and eyes.
• The main symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome are dry eyes and dry mouth.
• Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease. In Sjögren’s syndrome, your immune system attacks the glands that make tears and saliva (spit).
• Doctors diagnose Sjögren’s using a medical history, physical exam, certain eye and mouth tests, and blood tests.
• Treatment differs for each person and depends on what parts of your body are affected and focuses on getting rid of symptoms.
• Living with Sjögren’s syndrome can be easier by taking good care of your eyes and mouth, by protecting your voice, and understanding what medicines cause dryness.

Sjögren’s syndrome is a disease that affects the glands that make moisture. It most often causes dryness in the mouth and eyes. It can also lead to dryness in other places that need moisture, such as the nose, throat, and skin.

Sjögren’s syndrome is also a rheumatic disease, which affect:

• Joints.
• Tendons.
• Ligaments.
• Bones.
• Muscles.

The signs and symptoms of rheumatic diseases can include:

• Redness or heat.
• Swelling.
• Pain.
• Loss of function.

Primary Versus Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome

Doctors have two categories for Sjögren’s syndrome:

• Primary form: Occurs in if you do not have other rheumatic diseases.
• Secondary form: Occurs if you already have another rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, or polymyositis.