What Is Sjogren's Syndrome?
Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome is an
autoimmune disease -- that is, a disease in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells. With this condition, the immune system targets moisture-producing glands and causes dryness in the mouth and eyes. Other parts of the body can be affected as well, resulting in a wide range of possible symptoms.
Understanding the Immune System
Normally, the immune system works to protect us from disease by destroying harmful invading organisms, such as viruses and bacteria. In the case of Sjogren's syndrome, disease-fighting cells attack the glands that produce tears and saliva (the lacrimal and salivary glands). Damage to these glands keeps them from working properly and causes dry eyes and dry mouth. In technical terms, dry eyes are called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS, and dry mouth is called xerostomia. Your doctor may use these terms when talking to you about Sjogren's syndrome.
The disease can affect other glands, too, such as those in the stomach,
pancreas, and intestines, and can cause dryness in other places that need moisture, such as the nose, throat, airways, and skin.
Sjogren's Syndrome: A Rheumatic Disease and Connective Tissue Disorder
You might hear Sjogren's syndrome referred to as a rheumatic disease. A rheumatic disease causes inflammation in joints, muscles, skin, or other body tissue, and Sjogren's can do that. The many forms of
arthritis, which often involve inflammation in the joints, among other problems, are examples of rheumatic diseases.
Sjogren's syndrome is also considered a disorder of connective tissue, which is the framework of the body that supports organs and tissues (joints, muscles, and skin).
Who Sjogren's Syndrome Affects
Experts believe that 1 to 4 million people have the disease. Most -- 90 percent -- are women. It can occur at any age, but
Sjogren's syndrome usually is diagnosed after age 40, and can affect people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. Although it's rare, it can occur in children.
Types of Sjogren's Syndrome
Primary Sjogren's syndrome occurs by itself; the secondary form occurs with another disease. Both are systemic disorders, meaning they can affect the whole body, although the symptoms in the primary form are more restricted.
Cause of Sjogren's Syndrome
No one knows the exact
cause of Sjogren's syndrome and why the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks the glands that provide moisture.
Sjogren's syndrome research scientists believe that genetics and/or the environment may play a role in the development of the condition.
Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome
The disorder can affect other parts of the body, including the:
- Skin
- Joints
- Lungs
- Kidneys
- Blood vessels
- Nervous system.
When these areas are affected, symptoms may include:
- Dry skin
- Pneumonia
- Vaginal dryness
- Skin rashes
- Thyroid problems
- Joint and muscle pain
- Numbness and tingling in the extremities
- Fatigue.
Diagnosing Sjogren's Syndrome
- General health
- Symptoms
- Family medical history
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Use of drugs or medications.
Your doctor will also do a complete physical exam to check for signs of the disease.
You may have some tests, too. First, your doctor will want to check your eyes and mouth to see if
Sjogren's syndrome is causing your symptoms and how severe the problem is. Then your doctor may do other tests to see if the condition is present elsewhere in the body as well.
Treatment for Sjogren's Syndrome
There is no known cure for Sjogren's syndrome, nor is there a specific treatment to restore gland secretion. Therefore, treatment is generally focused on providing relief of symptoms and associated complications.
Prognosis for Sjogren's Syndrome
Because the disease affects each person differently, doctors cannot predict how a person will be affected by
Sjogren's syndrome.
The disease can damage vital organs of the body with symptoms that may remain stable, worsen, or go into remission. Some people may experience only the mild symptoms of dry eyes and mouth, while others go through cycles of good health followed by severe disease.
Many people are able to treat problems symptomatically. Others are forced to cope with blurred vision, constant eye discomfort, recurring mouth infections, swollen parotid glands, hoarseness, and difficulty in swallowing and eating. In addition, debilitating fatigue and joint pain can seriously impair a person's quality of life.
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