Sjogren’s Syndrome

What is Sjögren’s syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition. The normal role of your body’s immune system is to fight off infections and diseases to keep you healthy. In an autoimmune disease like Sjögren’s syndrome, your immune system starts attacking your own healthy tissues. This results in abnormal dryness of the mouth, eyes and/or other tissues. Around half the people who have Sjogren’s syndrome also have some form of arthritis (conditions affecting the joints, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis). This is known as secondary Sjögren’s syndrome. Primary Sjögren’s syndrome occurs in people who do not have one of these forms of arthritis.

What are the symptoms?

Sjögren’s syndrome can affect many different parts of the body. The glands that produce tears and saliva are most often affected. Common symptoms include:

• dry eyes (including irritation, gritty feeling or painful burning in the eyes)
• dry mouth (or difficulty eating dry foods)
• swelling of the glands around the face and neck.

Some people may also experience dryness in other areas of the body (such as the nose, throat, and vagina) and skin.

What causes it?

It is not known what causes Sjögren’s syndrome. It is believed to be the result of genetic factors and/or possible viral infections, which activate the immune system. This is not yet confirmed in research.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor or specialist will diagnose Sjögren’s syndrome from your symptoms, physical examination and a range of tests. Dry eyes and mouth require further testing as they can also be caused by many other conditions or medicines. The main clinical test to help diagnose Sjögren’s Syndrome is called a Schirmer’s test. This test involves using a strip of blotting paper to measure whether the eye produces enough tears to keep it moist. Blood tests and a biopsy of the lip (a small piece of tissue from the inside of the lower lip is removed and examined under a microscope) can also provide important information to help with the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome.

What will happen to me?

Usually the outlook for people with Sjögren’s syndrome is very positive. Most people with the condition are able to live normal lives without any serious complications. There can be an increased risk for infections in and around the eyes and for problems with the teeth. This is a result of the long-term reduction in tears and saliva. Many people experience fatigue (tiredness), muscle and joint pains, and painful swelling of the salivary glands. In some cases more serious inflammation may affect the lungs, blood vessels, kidneys or nerves, which can increase the severity of the condition. In a small number of people, Sjögren’s syndrome may be associated with lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph glands.

Is there a cure?

Currently there is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome. While there are ways you can control the symptoms, you should be wary of any products or treatments that claim to cure the condition.

Download a FREE information sheet on Sjogren’s Syndrome