Sjogren's syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome (pronounced SHOW-grins) is a long-term autoimmune disease in which the moisture-producing glands of the body are affected. This results in the common symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth.

Etymology

The syndrome is named after the Swedish ophthalmologist Henrik Sjögren, who first described it in 1933.

Symptoms

The hallmark symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are dry eyes and dry mouth, but it can also cause dryness in other areas that require moisture, such as the nose, throat, and skin. Other common symptoms include fatigue and joint pain.

Causes

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells and tissues. In Sjogren's syndrome, the immune system primarily targets the glands that produce tears and saliva, but it can also affect other parts of the body.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome can be challenging because the symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. The process typically involves a physical examination, medical history, blood tests, and special tests that measure tear and saliva production.

Treatment

While there is no cure for Sjogren's syndrome, treatments can help manage symptoms. These may include medications to stimulate saliva production, eye drops to help keep the eyes moist, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation.

Related Terms

• Autoimmune disease
• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Sjogren's syndrome
• Wikipedia's article - Sjogren's syndrome

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