Sjogren syndrome Health Article

Definition

Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva are destroyed. The condition may affect many different parts of the body, including the kidneys and lungs.

Alternative Names

Xerostomia-Sjogren syndrome; Keratoconjunctivitis sicca-Sjogren's

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of Sjogren syndrome is unknown. The syndrome occurs most often in women ages 40 - 50. It is rare in children. Young patients usually have signs of another autoimmune disorder first.

The syndrome may be associated with:

• Polymyositis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Scleroderma
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

Sjogren syndrome affects about 1 - 4 million people in the United States.

Symptoms

Dryness of the mouth and eyes are the most common symptoms of this syndrome.

Eye symptoms:

• Itching eyes
• Feeling that something is in the eye

Mouth and throat symptoms:

• Difficulty swallowing or eating
• Loss of sense of taste
• Difficulty speaking
• Thick or stringy saliva
• Mouth sores or pain
• Hoarseness

Other symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Change in the color of hands or feet
• Joint pain or joint swelling
• Swollen glands

Signs and tests

A physical examination reveals dry eyes and mouth. There may be mouth sores because of the mouth dryness.

Tests:

• Schirmer's test
• Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) test
• Salivary gland biopsy
• Rheumatoid factor (possible)
• Tear test
• Slit lamp examination with rose bengal dye