Sjogren's (pronounced Show-grin's) syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks glands that secrete fluid, such as the tear and saliva glands.
The condition can cause widespread effects. Inflammation within the glands reduces the production of tears and saliva which causes the main symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome, dry mouth and dry eyes.
In women (who are most commonly affected), the glands responsible for keeping the vagina moist can also be affected, leading to vaginal dryness.
Read more about the symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome.
Health professionals classify Sjogren's syndrome as either:
- primary Sjogren's syndrome, when the condition develops by itself and not as the result of another condition
- secondary Sjogren's syndrome, when the condition develops in combination with another autoimmune condition, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
What causes Sjogren's syndrome?
The cause of Sjogren's syndrome remains unknown, but research suggests that it is triggered by a combination of genetic, environmental and possibly hormonal factors.
It is believed that some people are more vulnerable to the condition when they are born and that certain events, such as a viral or bacterial infection, can trigger the problems with the immune system.
Read more about the causes of Sjogren’s syndrome.
Who is affected?
Sjogren's syndrome is a relatively common condition, affecting 3-4% of adults in the UK. It's the second most common autoimmune condition after rheumatoid arthritis. However, the condition remains under recognised and often under treated.
Sjogren's syndrome can develop at any age, but most cases begin in people aged 40-60 years old. Women account for about 90% of cases.
Diagnosis
Sjogren's syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because it has similar symptoms to other conditions and there is no single test for it.
If a doctor suspects Sjogren's syndrome, they may ask you questions about your symptoms. You may also have tests to study your tear and saliva production.
Read more about diagnosing Sjogren's syndrome.
Treating Sjogren's syndrome
There is no cure for Sjogren's syndrome, but a number of treatments can help control symptoms.
Eye and mouth dryness can usually be controlled with artificial tears and saliva.
Good eye and mouth hygiene are also important, as the chances of infection are increased if you have Sjogren's syndrome. Taking care of your eyes and mouth can help to prevent problems such as corneal ulcers and tooth decay.
For more serious cases, medication or surgery may be used.
Read more about treating Sjogren's syndrome.
Complications
Sjogren's syndrome is rarely life-threatening, but it can sometimes lead to complications.
For example, your eyesight could be permanently damaged if the reduced tear production is not treated.
Sjogren's syndrome also increases your risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymph glands. However, the chances are still low, at around 5%.
Women with Sjogren's syndrome are at a higher risk of having children with lupus or heart abnormalities. This doesn't mean you can't have children, but any pregnancy will be closely monitored for potential problems.
Read more about the complications of Sjogren’s syndrome.
