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February 10, 2012
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Sjögren's Syndrome

Medical Author:
Kanchan Pema, MD
Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Sjögren's Syndrome Treatment

There is no known cure for Sjögren's syndrome, nor is there a treatment to restore secretion of moisture by the glands. For the most part, treatment is designed to help relieve symptoms.

If you have Sjögren's syndrome, several different professionals probably will be involved in your care.

  • Your primary-care provider should always be part of your team.


  • Rheumatologists have the most specific training and experience in Sjögren's syndrome as well as the many disorders often associated with the syndrome.


  • Ophthalmologists can diagnose early problems with the cornea and assess the degree of damage to the eye. If necessary, they also can perform surgery to help treat or prevent eye damage. They can also help exclude other conditions that cause dry eyes (allergies, contact lens irritation).


  • Otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists) may be needed if a salivary gland biopsy is necessary to establish a diagnosis. Also, inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis) occurs more frequently in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.


  • Dentists provide appropriate oral care to prevent and treat tooth decay and gingivitis.


  • Other subspecialists may be consulted for specific complications of Sjögren's syndrome.

Learn more about Sjögren's syndrome treatment

Sjögren's Syndrome Overview

Sjögren's syndrome is a disorder of the moisture-producing glands, such as the tear glands (lacrimal glands) and the salivary glands. These glands become infiltrated with white blood cells (lymphocytes) that are part of our immune system. This causes the glands to produce less moisture, leading to dryness of the eyes and mouth. In some cases, lymphocytes also infiltrate internal organs such as the lungs, the kidneys, the nervous system, the liver, and the intestines. Because these infiltrates can affect multiple organs, they can cause a wide variety of symptoms.

Sjögren's syndrome often occurs in people who have other rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, or polymyositis/dermatomyositis. This is described as secondary Sjögren's syndrome. When the syndrome occurs without another rheumatic disorder, it is called primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Sjögren's syndrome affects 0.1%-3% of the population of the United States. The condition is found throughout the world and in all ethnic groups. While Sjögren's syndrome can strike anyone, it most often affects middle-aged and elderly women.

Sjögren's Syndrome Causes

The cause of Sjögren's syndrome is not known. The infiltration of moisture-producing glands by lymphocytes is an autoimmune response. This means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells. The infiltration of lymphocytes can damage the gland. Precisely what causes this to happen is not known, but it is probably a combination of genetic (inherited) factors and unknown environmental factors.


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Sjogren Syndrome - Describe Your Experience

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Sjogren's Syndrome - Diet

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Dry Eye Syndrome »

Dry Eye Syndrome Overview

To help keep your eyes comfortable and your vision optimal, a normal, thin film of tears coats your eyes. Three main layers make up this tear film:

  • The innermost layer is the thinnest. It is a layer of mucin (or mucus). This very thin layer of mucus is produced by the cells in the conjunctiva (the clear skin that lines the eye). The mucus helps the overlying watery layer to spread evenly over the eye.

  • The middle (or aqueous) layer is the largest and the thickest. This layer is essentially a very dilute saltwater solution. The lacrimal glands under the upper lids and the accessory tear glands produce this watery layer. This layer's function is to keep the eye moist and comfortable, as well as to help flush out any dust, debris, or foreign objects that may get into the eye. Defects of the aqueous layer are the most common cause of dry eye syndrome, also referred to as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (K...

Read the Dry Eye Syndrome article »


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Sjögren syndrome (SS) is characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates in exocrine organs.

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