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Medical Author:

Kanchan Pema, MD

Medical Editor:

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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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.

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