Sjögren’s Syndrome – Symptoms and Causes
What is Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Sjögren’s syndrome mainly causes dry eyes and mouth. When someone has this condition, their body’s defense system mistakenly attacks the glands that make tears and saliva.
This condition often shows up alongside other immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. While anyone can develop Sjögren’s syndrome, it typically appears after age 40 and affects women much more frequently than men.
The treatment for Sjögren’s syndrome focuses on easing symptoms rather than curing the condition. Doctors work to reduce discomfort and prevent complications by managing the dryness in the eyes, mouth, and other affected areas.
Symptoms
People with Sjögren’s syndrome typically experience two main symptoms:
- Dry eyes – May cause burning, itching, or a gritty sensation, similar to having sand in your eyes.
- Dry mouth – Feels sticky or cotton-like, making it difficult to swallow or speak.
Additional symptoms can include:
- Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
- Swollen salivary glands, especially those behind the jaw and in front of the ears
- Skin rashes or dryness
- Vaginal dryness
- Persistent dry cough
- Long-lasting fatigue
These symptoms can vary in severity from person to person. Some people may only have the main symptoms, while others may develop additional issues as the condition worsens.
Causes
Sjögren’s syndrome develops when the body’s immune system incorrectly attacks its own tissues. While researchers haven’t identified the exact cause, both genetic factors and environmental triggers likely play important roles.
People with certain genes face a higher risk of developing this condition. Genes alone aren’t sufficient; scientists think that specific triggers, like viral or bacterial infections, are necessary to initiate the disease process.
The immune system initially targets the moisture-producing glands that make tears and saliva. Over time, the immune attack can spread to affect multiple organs and systems, including:
- Joints
- Thyroid
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Lungs
- Skin
- Nervous system
This widespread inflammation explains why Sjögren’s syndrome causes such a broad range of symptoms.
Risk Factors
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition:
- Age: Most cases are diagnosed in people over 40.
- Gender: Women are at a much higher risk than men.
- Other Autoimmune Conditions: Many people with Sjögren’s syndrome also have other rheumatic diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Health Problems Related to Sjögren’s Syndrome
Sjögren’s syndrome can lead to several health issues, mainly affecting the eyes and mouth.
Common Mouth Problems:
- Tooth Decay: Saliva protects against cavity-causing bacteria; less saliva leads to a higher risk of cavities.
- Oral Yeast Infections: People with this condition face higher risks of thrush (white patches in the mouth).
Eye Complications:
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
- Possible corneal damage
Other Body Systems Affected:
| Organ/System | Possible Complications |
|---|---|
| Lungs | Inflammation leading to pneumonia or bronchitis |
| Kidneys | Reduced kidney function |
| Liver | Hepatitis or cirrhosis |
| Lymph Nodes | Increased risk of lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes) |
| Nerves | Peripheral neuropathy causing numbness, tingling, or burning feelings in the hands and feet |
