General Information on Sjögren's Syndrome
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a systemic rheumatic disorder wherein the body's defensive immune mechanism becomes dysregulated and mounts an autoimmune attack against its own 'exocrine glands'—the glands responsible for producing tears, saliva, and vaginal secretions—leading to their progressive destruction.
Primary Sjögren's: The condition manifests independently, without the presence of any other underlying rheumatic disease.
Secondary Sjögren's: The syndrome develops concomitantly with another established autoimmune disease, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Patients experience a persistent sensation of grit or sand in the eyes accompanied by burning and severe redness (xerophthalmia). Orally, the dryness (xerostomia) is so profound that swallowing dry food without liquid assistance becomes nearly impossible, accompanied by a fissured tongue and a drastically increased incidence of dental caries. Cutaneous and vaginal dryness are also highly prevalent.
Yes, as it is a systemic disease. Beyond glandular involvement, it can cause significant inflammatory arthritis (joint swelling and arthralgia). Extraglandular manifestations may also include interstitial lung disease (pulmonary fibrosis), renal tubular dysfunction, profound fatigue, and generalized myalgia.
Clinical suspicion is supported by the Schirmer's Test, which objectively measures tear production, and serological detection of specific autoantibodies, primarily Anti-Ro (SSA) and Anti-La (SSB). Definitive histological diagnosis is established via a minor salivary gland biopsy taken from the inner lower lip, demonstrating characteristic focal lymphocytic infiltration.
There is no curative treatment capable of regenerating the destroyed glandular tissue. Symptomatic relief is achieved through the continuous application of preservative-free artificial tear drops and cholinergic agonists (e.g., Pilocarpine) to stimulate residual salivary flow. For systemic joint or organ involvement, Rheumatological immunomodulatory agents (such as Hydroxychloroquine) and corticosteroids are prescribed.
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