What is Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic, inflammatory, auto-immune disorder that mainly affects woman.

The two main symptoms are:

• Dry mouth (xerostomia) and 
• Dry eye (keratoconjuctivitis sicca)

There are two forms of Sjögren's syndrome:

• Primary Sjogren’s, and
• Secondary Sjogren's

Primary Sjögren's syndrome is defined as dry mouth and eye (and other mucous membranes, including the vagina) that is not associated with any other underlying auto-immune disorder.
Secondary Sjogren's is when dry eye and dry mouth are associated with an underlying auto-immune connective tissue disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or scleroderma.

Many people with Sjögren's also suffer from some or all of the following:

• Fatigue
• Muscle/joint pain
• Dry nose with crusting
• Dry vagina
• Lack of saliva leads to: tooth decay, painful mouth with difficulty swallowing, heart burn, and digestive problems
  

More serious complications can occur if internal organs become involved, including nerve problems (neuritis) and vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels).

There is also an association between Sjögren's syndrome and the development of lymphoma (a tumor of the lymph nodes.)

If you have been diagnosed with Sjögren's Syndrome, or think you may have this condition, we encourage you to contact us.

MORE INFORMATION: Sjogren’s syndrome by Paul Cramer, MD Mead Hospital, Bristol, England