Sjögren’s Disease

Also known as: Sjögren’s syndrome

An autoimmune disease that targets moisture-producing glands, causing dry eyes and dry mouth, and sometimes affecting joints, nerves and organs.

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Sjögren’s Disease

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How it works · Autoimmunity

The immune system protects you

B cells make antibodies, Y-shaped proteins that tag germs so the rest of the immune system can clear them.

What it is

Immune cells infiltrate the tear and salivary glands and reduce their output. Sjögren’s can occur on its own or with RA or lupus. It is far more common in women and carries a small increased risk of lymphoma.

Symptoms

Gritty, burning dry eyes, dry mouth with trouble swallowing dry foods, dental cavities, swollen salivary glands, fatigue, joint pain, numbness and dry skin.

How it’s diagnosed

Blood tests for SSA (Ro) and SSB (La) antibodies, ANA and rheumatoid factor. Eye tests measure tear production, and a lip biopsy can confirm gland inflammation.

Treatment

Artificial tears, prescription eye drops, saliva substitutes and medicines that stimulate saliva (pilocarpine, cevimeline) relieve dryness. Hydroxychloroquine helps joint pain and fatigue, and stronger therapy treats organ involvement.

Living with it

See your dentist every 3 to 6 months, sip water often, use a humidifier and report persistent gland swelling.

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