Sjogren's Syndrome

Medical Author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD

• What is Sjogren's syndrome?
• What causes Sjogren's syndrome?
• What are symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome?
• How is Sjogren's syndrome diagnosed?
• How is Sjogren's syndrome treated?
• Conclusion
• Sjogren's Syndrome At A Glance

Sjogren's Syndrome Antigen...Getting at the Cause Medical Reviewer: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR TOKUSHIMA, JAPAN - Antigens are substances that can stimulate the immune system to develop a response resulting in the production of an antibody. Antibodies are proteins that can bind antigens in the normal immune response. When antigen comes from the body's own tissues (such as a certain tissue protein) it is referred to as an autoantigen. The antibody that acts against it is referred to as an autoantibody. When a disease is characterized by the production of autoantibodies, it is called an autoimmune disease. Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease, characterized by the abnormal production of extra antibodies in the blood that are directed against various tissues of the body. This particular autoimmune illness is caused by inflammation in the glands of the body. Inflammation of the glands that produce tears (lacrimal glands) lead to decreased water production for tears and eye dryness. Inflammation of the glands that produce the saliva in the mouth (salivary glands, including the parotid glands) leads to mouth dryness. Sjogren's syndrome classically combines dry eyes, dry mouth, and another disease of the connective tissues, most commonly rheumatoid arthritis. Learn more about Sjogren's syndrome » Top Searched Sjogren's Syndrome Terms: definition, symptoms, treatment, diagnosis

What is Sjogren's syndrome?

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the abnormal production of extra antibodies in the blood that are directed against various tissues of the body. This particular autoimmune illness features inflammation in certain glands of the body. Inflammation of the glands that produce tears (lacrimal glands) leads to decreased water production for tears and eye dryness. Inflammation of the glands that produce the saliva in the mouth (salivary glands, including the parotid glands) leads to dry mouth and dry lips.

Sjogren's syndrome with gland inflammation (resulting dry eyes and mouth, etc.) that is not associated with another connective tissue disease is referred to as primary Sjogren's syndrome. Sjogren's syndrome that is also associated with a connective tissue disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or scleroderma, is referred to as secondary Sjogren's syndrome.

What causes Sjogren's syndrome?

While the exact cause of Sjogren's syndrome is not known, there is growing scientific support for genetic (inherited) factors. The illness is sometimes found in other family members. It is also found more commonly in families that have members with other autoimmune illnesses, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune thyroid disease, juvenile diabetes, etc. About 90% of patients with Sjogren's syndrome are female.

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