Sjogren’s Syndrome
An autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the glands that produce tears and saliva.
Part of: Autoimmune Disease
About Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjögren’s (SHOW-griens) syndrome is a disease that affects the glands that make moisture. It most often causes dryness in the mouth and eyes. It can also lead to dryness in other places that need moisture, such as the nose, throat, and skin.
Who Gets Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Most people with Sjögren’s syndrome are women. It can occur at any age and in any race. But it is rare in children and most often shows up after age 40.
What Causes Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease. The immune system is supposed to fight disease by killing off harmful viruses and bacteria. But with autoimmune diseases, your immune system attacks parts of your own body by mistake.
In Sjögren’s syndrome, your immune system attacks the glands that make tears and saliva (spit). The damage keeps these glands from working right and causes dry eyes and dry mouth.
Doctors don’t know the exact cause of Sjögren’s syndrome. They think it may be caused by a combination of two things:
Genes Exposure to something like a virus or bacteria….Read more about Sjogren’s SyndromeNIH – National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
