What is Sjogren's Syndrome?

Sjogren's Syndrome is an autoimmune problem. However: it is not related to AIDS; indeed, it could be viewed as completely the opposite. In AIDS the antibodies refuse, or cannot detect any invading disease. Which is why people with AIDS are open to attack from so many infections that a person without AIDS would have naturally and normally be protected by their antibodies.

However: for a person with auto immune problems, the immune system turns against the body's own cells. (The good cells, glands, organs, etc.) There are many different, but related, types of auto immune problems - and I include links to these on this web site. It would appear that the immune system, when it goes wrong can attack the good parts of the body, and depending on where they attack, the diagnosis, and description of the problem is different.

In Sjogren's Syndrome, the immune system targets moisture-producing glands and causes dryness in the mouth. eyes and nose. Other parts of the body can be affected as well, resulting in a wide range of possible symptoms. All of this makes diagnosis most difficult for GP's in the UK; (and doctors worldwide) as there are so many similar symptoms, which may suggest one of many auto immune problems, or merely side effects of other medical problems or prescribed medication. (For example: depression; and anti-depression drugs, which can result in a dry mouth, fatigue, etc.)

[For journalists, researchers, etc., the above will provide enough information to get you started. If you need more information please take the time to browse the rest of the site.]

Sjögren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome is an autoimmune disease that is, a disease in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells. In Sjogren's Syndrome, the immune system targets moisture-producing glands and causes dryness in the mouth and eyes. Other parts of the body can be affected as well, resulting in a wide range of possible symptoms. And this is the main difficulty in getting a diagnoses for SS.

Normally, the immune system works to protect us from disease by destroying harmful invading organisms like viruses and bacteria. In the case of Sjogren's Syndrome, disease-fighting cells attack the glands that produce tears and saliva (the lacrimal and salivary glands). Damage to these glands keeps them from working properly and causes dry eyes and dry mouth. In technical terms, dry eyes are called 'keratoconjunctivitis sicca', or 'KCS', and dry mouth is called 'xerostomia'. Your doctor may use these terms when talking to you about Sjogren's Syndrome.

The disease can affect other glands too, such as those in the stomach, pancreas, and intestines, and can cause dryness in other places that need moisture, such as the nose, throat, airways, and skin. You might hear Sjogren's Syndrome called a rheumatic disease. A rheumatic disease causes inflammation in joints, muscles, skin, or other body tissue, and Sjögren's can do that.

The many forms of arthritis, which often involve inflammation in the joints, among other problems, are examples of rheumatic diseases. Sjögren's is also considered a disorder of connective tissue, which is the framework of the body that supports organs and tissues (joints, muscles, and skin).

Acknowledgement: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS); National Institutes of Health (NIH)