About Sjögren’s Syndrome
What is Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Sjögren’s syndrome (pronounced sho-grins) is a disease that causes dryness of the eyes and mouth. It can also affect other organ systems including the skin, joints, lungs and nervous system. Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic disease, which means it can last a long time.
Sjögren’s is an autoimmune disease. This means the body’s immune system does not behave normally. Instead of serving to fight infections such as bacteria and viruses, the body’s own immune system attacks itself. In Sjögren’s syndrome, autoimmunity may lead the immune system to destroy the glands that produce tears and saliva. In addition, people with Sjögren’s may suffer other organ damage by the abnormal immune response.
Many people develop Sjögren’s in the absence of other autoimmune conditions. However, it is common to develop Sjögren’s in association with other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
What are some of the symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Common symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome include:
- Dryness of the eyes
- Dryness of the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Change in taste
- Frequent cavities
- Frequent oral yeast infections
- Swollen salivary glands
- Vaginal dryness
- Heartburn
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Arthritis
- Fatigue
Who gets Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Between 1 and 4 million Americans have the disease. People of all races and ethnic backgrounds get Sjögren’s syndrome. It is almost 10 times more common in women. It rarely occurs in children and typically begins when people are in their mid 20s or mid 50s.
What causes Sjögren’s Syndrome?
The cause of Sjögren’s syndrome is not known. As mentioned above, we do know that Sjögren’s is an autoimmune disease. In Sjögren’s syndrome, autoimmunity often leads to the destruction of the glands that produce tears and the glands that produce saliva. In addition, the abnormal immune response can also lead to other problems including, damage of blood vessels, joints, lungs and the nervous system.
Are there any other complications or concerns associated with Sjögren’s?
Studies have shown that people with Sjögren’s have a higher risk of developing lymphoma, a type of cancer. Also, an antibody (a protein created by the immune system) that may be present in pregnant women with Sjögren’s can cause heart problems in newborns.
This information has been approved by Aryeh Fischer, MD (April 2008).
