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Topic Overview

What is Sjögren's syndrome?

Sjögren's syndrome (say "SHOH-grins") is a disease in which the immune system attacks the glands that make tears and saliva. The damage keeps the glands from working the way they should and makes your eyes and mouth dry.

The disease may also cause fatigue and pain in the joints. In rare cases, it can damage the lungs, kidneys, and nerves.

Anyone can get Sjögren's, but it's most common in white women who are in their 40s and 50s.

What causes Sjögren's syndrome?

Doctors don't know what causes Sjögren's syndrome, but it tends to run in families. It may also occur along with other health problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome are very dry eyes and mouth that last for at least 3 months and are not caused by medicines. You may have itching and burning in your eyes. Your mouth may feel very dry, as though it is full of cotton.

How is Sjögren's syndrome diagnosed?

Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and past health. He or she will also ask about any medicines you're taking that could cause dry eyes and mouth. If needed, you may also have tests to:

• Measure tear flow.
• Measure saliva.
• Check for antibodies in your blood.

How is it treated?

Your treatment for Sjögren's syndrome will depend on how the disease affects you over time. In most cases, treatment will focus on helping you control your symptoms.

Using artificial teardrops, mouth lubricants, and saliva substitutes can help moisten your eyes, mouth, and throat. Your doctor may also prescribe:

• Antibiotics to treat eye redness, swelling, and pain.
• Estrogen creams, for vaginal dryness.
• Steroid medicines to relieve muscle and joint pain.
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, which can help relieve joint pain and dry skin.

There are also many things you can do at home to manage symptoms.